The Danish Presidency of the European Union issued a press release today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, which stated the following:
New and innovative solutions to address irregular migration were the main focus of today's informal meeting of EU justice and interior ministers in Copenhagen. Discussions also touched on the EU's new preparedness strategy for crises and emergencies, with broad agreement on strengthening and developing the tools needed to address all threats and risks. The talks also addressed combating organized drug trafficking and establishing a more effective return system for foreigners without legal residency in the EU.
Denmark is leading efforts to create a new European asylum system.
Immigration and Integration Minister Kari Deppvad Beek, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard and Resilience and Preparedness Minister Torsten Schaak Pedersen have just concluded the first day of the informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers.
The meeting focused heavily on combating irregular migration. Therefore, the Minister for Migration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad-Beek, led discussions with EU ministers to explore new and innovative solutions, aiming to establish a common approach to a new asylum system. Prior to this, Dybvad-Beek held extensive discussions with ministers on making the return of foreigners without legal residency in the EU more effective.
Earlier today, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, Torsten Schaake Pedersen, took part in discussions on the EU’s new Resilience and Preparedness Strategy, with a particular focus on how to strengthen the EU’s resilience and crisis management.
The final item on the afternoon agenda was a presentation by the Minister of Justice and the National Police Commissioner on combating organized crime and its devastating and harmful consequences for society, with particular emphasis on the Danish experience in combating the organized cannabis trade in Christiania, the closure of Pusher Street, and the positive results achieved.
In addition to the ministers, the European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness, Hedia Lahbib, also participated.
Minister for Immigration and Integration Kari Debbad-Beck:
Denmark is no longer alone in Europe in its efforts to establish a new asylum system. We have had truly positive and constructive discussions, and it is encouraging to see so many countries expressing their support. The current asylum system is inhumane, and at the same time, the pressures of irregular migration are placing a burden on many European countries. Nearly half of asylum decisions at the first stage are rejected, and three out of four rejected applicants do not return.
Therefore, it is essential that we address the challenges of irregular migration together, with new and innovative solutions. It is also crucial for the European Union to ensure that every member state has the necessary tools to implement the return of foreigners who do not have the legal right to remain in the EU. I would like to thank my European colleagues for this constructive dialogue, and I look forward to continuing these discussions over the next six months as Denmark assumes the EU Presidency.
Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, Torsten Schaak Pedersen:
Denmark assumed the EU Presidency at a time when European cooperation in emergency preparedness and crisis management is more important than ever. Today, I had a productive discussion with my European colleagues, where we explored how, building on the EU's new preparedness strategy, we can develop a stronger and more coherent European emergency response in the current threat and risk landscape.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard:
Organized crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated in smuggling and selling illicit drugs across European borders. Therefore, it is essential that we in the European Union work together to combat them vigorously and prevent these problems from spreading from one country to another. At today's Council meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss how to combat organized crime, drawing on Danish experience. I look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation with my colleagues during the Danish Presidency.
The informal ministerial meeting continues into its second and final day tomorrow (Wednesday), where it will focus on justice issues.
The statement has ended.
