On 25 February 2026, the Czech Minister of the Interior met with the German Federal Minister of the Interior in Berlin to discuss migration and particularly the need for effective measures against irregular migration, including a return policy.
The Czech Minister communicated the message that the fight against irregular migration is a key priority of the Czech government and that the country is tightening asylum legislation at the national level. He also stated that the predominant view in Czechia is that mandatory solidarity is not the solution. Czechia is promoting further changes at the European level and is looking for solutions that can be quickly implemented in practice, including the possibility of establishing return centres outside the EU.
Temporary protection
With regard to temporary protection, Czechia continues to face a high number of new arrivals, approximately 6,000 people per month. The Czech Minister said to the German Federal Minister of the Interior that it is necessary to open a debate on further adjusting the setting of temporary protection. The view of the Czech government is that it is necessary to consider limiting its scope, for example in terms of geographical origin or other criteria. However, in this regard, the Czech Minister emphasized the need for coordination with other states.
Regarding controls at common borders, the Czech side appreciated the efforts to minimize the impact of such controls. However, the priority remains to ensure smooth cross-border traffic without negative consequences for citizens and for the exchange of goods.
- Ministry of the Interior | Ministerstvo Vnitra (25 February, 2026), Ministr vnitra Lubomír Metnar jednal v Berlíně se spolkovým ministrem vnitra o migraci a bezpečnosti [Minister of the Interior Lubomír Metnar met with the Federal Minister of the Interior in Berlin about migration and security],