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Visa Working Party discusses AI in “visa shopping” /// EMWP delegates reportedly discussed exporting digital visa systems /// The EU and Lebanon discussed future of Syrian refugees /// The UK is making more inroads on migration cooperation in Europe /// Italy and Germany to partner more closely on migration in Africa /// UK introduces absurd new migration-related offenses /// Portuguese MEP demands clarity on Solidarity Pool /// Frontex and EU Agency for Asylum publish new cooperation agreement /// Civil society scores rare win on Frontex judicial review

Visa Working Party discusses AI in “visa shopping”

A European Commission note to the Visa Working Party meeting of 9 October 2025 (pdf) discusses ‘visa shopping’ – where a third country citizen shops around Schengen states in order to find the ‘easiest’ visa, even if they don’t intend to travel to that particular member state. The report describes alleged use of AI and “dishonesty” in visa application processes and invites delegates to discuss solutions.

When Statewatch requested the document, the Council of the EU stated that full disclosure “would have a negative impact on the relations between the European Union and the third countries concerned as it would reveal sensitive information on visa procedures”.

EMWP delegates reportedly discussed exporting digital visa systems

According to the news site VisaHQ, the idea of funding digital border systems in third countries, based on the EU’s Entry/Exit System, was discussed at the 13 November 2025 meeting of the Working Party on External Aspects of Asylum and Migration. Finland is reported to have pushed the issue in particular. This discussion does not appear on the public meeting agenda (pdf).

The EU and Lebanon discussed future of Syrian refugees

At the ninth EU–Lebanon Association Council meeting on 15 December 2025, the EU and Lebanon reported discussing Syrian refugees in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the idea of them returning in the future:

“Within a feasible timeframe, the EU and Lebanon are committed to continue working with all relevant stakeholders for durable solutions where Syrians can rebuild their homeland and earn a dignified living in Syria”

The UK is making more inroads on migration cooperation in Europe

On 28 November 2026, the UK published the text of a bilateral cooperation framework with Malta. It includes deeper “cooperation on the external dimension of migration” and “opportunities for collaboration between the UK and (Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta)” on migration issues. It followed on from the Kensington Treaty signed in July 2025 between the UK and Germany, which includes similar migration cooperation.

Italy and Germany to partner more closely on migration in Africa

On 26 January 2026, Italy and Germany signed two agreements for enhanced cooperation on migration, among other matters. Referencing the ‘Rome Process’ – an initiative to prevent irregular migration spearheaded by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni – the two countries agreed to collaborate on “increased external action and internal aspects, mutually beneficial comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit, more effective protection of EU external borders, and stepping up returns” particularly with regards to African countries. Italy and Nigeria have also “expressed renewed commitment” to cooperation on migration matters.

Criminalised for checking the weather: the UK introduces absurd new migration-related offenses

Writing for Oxford University’s Border Criminologies, Vicky Taylor explains a raft of new offences targeting irregular boat crossings across the English channel. Building on years of legislative work criminalising people attempting to seek shelter in Britain, the new offences under the 2025 Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act “use broad terms that enable anyone arriving on a dinghy to be prosecuted”, according to Taylor. These terms apparently make it possible that people could be prosecuted simply for looking up the weather or tide times.

Portuguese MEP demands clarity on Solidarity Pool

In a written question to the Commission, MEP Ana Catarina Mendes (Socialists & Democrats) has asked whether the Portuguese government has requested a reassessment of its migratory situation by the Commission. These assessments determine EU countries’ contributions to, or benefits from, the ‘Solidarity Pool’. Mendes asked when the Commission could be expected to publish findings. The question follows earlier reports that Portugal had opted to pay in around €8m to the pool rather than accept its “quota” of 420 people for resettlement in the country.

Frontex and EU Agency for Asylum publish new cooperation agreement

The two agencies agreed a new framework agreement on 22 January 2026. Among its provisions, it provides for greater operational cooperation and data exchange.

Civil society scores rare win on Frontex judicial review

On 18 December 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on appeal on two cases related to an individual’s right to make a claim against Frontex. According to Catharina Ziebritzki, writing for Verfassungsblog: “The court held that Frontex can, in principle, be held responsible for fundamental rights violations via EU liability law.”

Read Ziebritzki’s full analysis here.