The Council of Ministers for Home Affairs met on 5 March 2026. The European Commission presented the 11th Schengen Barometer and noted a significant decrease in irregular border crossings in 2025 (down to about 180,000, representing a 25% decline compared to 2024). Nonetheless, ten EU Member States continued internal border controls. Slovakia reiterated its long-standing view that internal checks are ineffective and emphasised strengthening external border controls.
The Council also discussed the need for an efficient return policy, stressing timely information for third‑country nationals and harmonised incentives for voluntary returns.
Member States reviewed progress on the interoperability of EU information systems and preparations for the Entry/Exit System (EES), set to go live on April 2026, with Slovakia declaring full readiness.
The Commission provided an update on the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which takes effect in June 2026. Slovakia reaffirmed its opposition to mandatory solidarity mechanisms.
- Ministry of the Interior | Ministerstvo vnútra (5 March, 2026), Marcové zasadnutie Rady ministrov pre vnútorné záležitosti sa venovalo otázkam bezpečnosti v Schengene a migrácii [The March meeting of the Council of Home Affairs Ministers addressed the issues of security in Schengen and migration],