The main points discussed and outcomes were as follows:

• Schengen: Ministers discussed the overall state of the Schengen area based on a situational update from the European Commission, including its Schengen Barometer and five-point plan on the resilience and security of the EU’s external borders. They also discussed the priorities of the Schengen Council cycle 2026-2027, focusing on information exchange and the use of new technologies to strengthen security. Progress on the interoperability of EU large-scale IT systems was also reviewed, including upcoming milestones for ECRIS-TCN and ETIAS.
   
• Improving returns through enhanced readmission cooperation with priority third countries: Ministers agreed to increase scrutiny of the readmission cooperation of priority non-EU countries, in particular countries whose nationals are most represented in the return border procedure established under the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Where insufficient cooperation affects the implementation of the procedure, the Council will consider possible action to improve readmission cooperation with the countries concerned.
   
• New EU rules on return: The Council adopted new EU rules establishing common procedures for the return of non-EU nationals who have no right to stay in the EU. The rules introduce a European Return Order and provide for specific measures concerning persons considered to pose a security risk. They also allow member states to establish return hubs in non-EU countries, subject to an agreement or arrangement with the country concerned and compliance with international human rights standards and the principle of non-refoulement. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from such arrangements. The regulation will now be published in the EU official journal and will enter into force on the following day.
   
• Reinforcing the EU’s migration situational awareness and early warning capabilities, including during crisis situations: Ministers agreed to strengthen the EU’s capacity to identify emerging migration trends and crisis situations with potential EU-wide relevance in a timely manner. They agreed to build on existing structures and tools, including by attaching greater importance to social media monitoring and the role of EU agencies, to support a swift and coordinated response.

For further information, see the Council of the EU’s press release on the new EU rules on return and the main results of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting of 1 October 2026.