Justice and home-affairs ministers, including Belgium’s Nicole de Moor, gather in Dublin on 16-17 July for an informal council that will devote a session to the EU’s new ‘migration diplomacy’ and use of visa restrictions against third countries deemed unco-operative on readmission or hybrid threats. A background note seen by Agence Europe lists improved escalation steps and faster triggering of Article 25a of the Visa Code as discussion points. Belgium has previously supported targeted leverage but argues blanket visa caps can backfire on business and student exchanges. Officials told reporters they will advocate sunset clauses and exemptions for researchers and intracompany transferees. The debate comes as the EU recently restricted visas for Guinea and Somalia and is considering similar moves against Iran and Ethiopia. The Irish Presidency will also seek views on data-sharing with trusted private actors – an issue Belgium follows closely because its home-grown API platform "Be-Gate" could be scaled EU-wide. Ministers will tour Dublin Port to examine new cargo-scanning tech aimed at combating organised crime, a priority that intersects with Belgium’s efforts to clamp down on cocaine trafficking through Antwerp. Although informal, the meeting will shape the formal JHA Council in October where binding conclusions are expected. Multinationals with operations in affected third countries should monitor outcomes, as visa sanctions can slow project deployments and client visits.
Source: Agence Europe
