Policies

Writing new legislation in the area of migration and home affairs is at the core of DG HOME’s work. DG HOME policy experts consult with outside expert groups and networks to examine the situation of a particular policy area. This way, they recognize the need for new rules and propose best solutions through new EU legislation.

DG HOME drafts legislations and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of that legislation across EU countries in the following policy areas:

Schengen, borders and visa

Discover EU’s greatest achievement – the Schengen area. It is an area free of internal borders, allowing people to move freely and safely within the EU. The Visa Information System (VIS) and the Schengen Information System (SIS) ensure information exchange between EU countries.

Migration and asylum

EU countries share common standards when processing asylum requests. Joint rules also apply for legal migration in areas of work and study, while establishing an efficient migration system to manage irregular migration is a key priority.

Internal security

From combatting terrorism to fighting trafficking in human beings and organized crime – by harmonizing security related rules across EU countries the EU becomes a safer place. Latest focus is on combatting cybercrime and preventing cyberattacks.

Law enforcement cooperation

To combat cross-border crime and terrorism, law enforcement authorities of EU countries cooperate and exchange information, such as passenger information collected by airlines (PNR). The agency Europol supports countries in this information sharing.

International affairs

Issues related to security and migration have an international dimension. That is why, the EU works together with countries across the globe and international organizations on different topics, such as: border management, migration and mobility, fighting terrorism and migrant smuggling.