Migration and Home Affairs

Responsibilities

We are the European Commission’s department (DG HOME) in charge of migration and home affairs, under the leadership of Commissioner Ylva Johansson.

A balanced and comprehensive Migration Policy

Presented in September 2020, the New Pact on Migration and Asylum is a comprehensive and European approach to migration focusing on responsibility and solidarity. It wants to put in place a fairer, more European approach to manage migration and asylum. It aims to provide a humane and effective long-term response to current challenges of irregular migration: developing legal migration pathways, better integrating refugees and other newcomers as well as deepening migration partnerships with countries of origin and transit for mutual benefit.

Internal security

Within the Commission, DG HOME is responsible for the EU’s internal security policy, which is a component of the new Security Union Strategy 2020-2025. The aim is to build a safer Europe by fighting terrorism and organised crime, by promoting police cooperation and by preparing to swiftly respond to emerging crises. Our actions in these areas include stricter rules against illicit trafficking of firearms and on trafficking in human beings, as well as revision of legislation on combating child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and Child Sexual Abuse Material and grooming.

Securing EU external borders – Schengen, borders and visa

Secure the EU external borders and maintain an area without borders, in which citizens, many non-EU nationals, business people and tourists can freely circulate without being subjected to border checks (the Schengen Area). 

External dimension

In our policies, we promote dialogue and cooperation with non-EU countries so that we can work in partnership and jointly tackle common challenges. Our external action contributes to the strengthening of the EU’s position as a reliable, active and pragmatic global player, while ensuring the effectiveness of our policies. We also manage EU financing instruments that support concrete actions in the field of home affairs.

Migration and Home Affairs website