In the context of the second conference of the Ministers of the Interior organized by the 2021/22 Hungarian V4 Presidency, State Secretary László Felkai met with the representatives of France and the Visegrad countries at the Ministry of Interior of Hungary. At the meeting, the representatives of the ministers assessed the situation in Ukraine, reviewed the current issues of the Schengen area and return of persons residing in the EU illegally, as well as cooperation with third countries.
The participants agreed to remain committed to preserving the integrity of the Schengen area and supported the strengthening of the Council's political role in Schengen matters through the Schengen Council, as proposed by the French Presidency, they also expressed their commitment to the full implementation of an integrated European border management.
The participating representatives stressed the need to take all necessary steps to speed up the return of persons residing illegally in the EU. In the discussion on cooperation with third countries in the area of return, it was agreed that there is a need for comprehensive and condition-based relations with third countries in different areas, such as visa, development and trade policies.
The ministers' representatives adopted a joint declaration at the end of the conference.
