The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, attended the Council Meeting of Home Affairs Ministers in Brussels. In a press release issued after the meeting, the Minister stated that significant efforts are still required and called on the EU to follow Malta's example. He noted that Malta's efforts resulted in a 93% decrease in the number of irregular arrivals in 2024 “thanks to increased investment in the competent national authorities, the establishment of a dedicated return unit and increased outreach with key third countries, both of transit and or origin.”
The Minister also stated that he met with informally with EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and discussed Malta's success in reducing irregular arrivals, the need for the EU to step up prevention efforts, and assist persons in need of international protection while returning those not in need of international protection.