The EU’s 28 member states have agreed to increase efforts in tackling migration flows in the Mediterranean, a declaration after an unofficial EU Council meeting in Malta said on Friday.
The first part of the summit is over and after a working lunch, the British PM will depart and the 27 will engage in talks over the future of Europe.
According to the declaration on migration, the EU 28 have vouched to integrate migration financing within its Official Development Assistance for Africa, which amounts to 31 billion euros during this financial period.
The leaders welcome and support the Maltese Presidency’s efforts to take forward all elements of the EU’s comprehensive migration policy and reaffirm their determination to act in full respect of human rights, international law and European values, and in conjunction with UNHCR and IOM.
“A key element of a sustainable migration policy is to ensure effective control of our external border and stem illegal flows into the EU,” the agreement said.
In 2016, arrivals decreased to one-third of the levels in 2015. On the Eastern Mediterranean route, while pressures remain, arrivals in the past four months of 2016 were down 98 per cent year-on-year, the announcement added.
“We remain committed to the EU-Turkey Statement and the full and non-discriminatory implementation of all its aspects, as well as to continued support for the countries along the Western Balkans route,” the announcement said.
STABILISING LIBYA- EU PLANS
The EU has promised to do its utmost in stabilising Libya, as efforts to restore order in the country are underway.
“The EU remains committed to an inclusive political settlement under the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement and to supporting the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord backed by the United Nations,” the joint announcement added.
The Declaration outlined the following steps to be taken by the EU 28:
- A) Training, equipment and support to the Libyan national coast guard and other relevant agencies. Complementary EU training programmes must be rapidly stepped up, both in intensity and numbers, starting with those already undertaken by Operation SOPHIA and building on its experience. Funding and planning for these activities needs to be made sustainable and predictable, including through the Seahorse Mediterranean Network;
- B) Further efforts to disrupt the business model of smugglers through enhanced operational action, within an integrated approach involving Libya and other countries on the route and relevant international partners, engaged Member States, CSDP missions and operations, Europol and the European Border and Coast Guard;
- C) Supporting where possible the development of local communities in Libya, especially in coastal areas and at Libyan land borders on the migratory routes, to improve their socio-economic situation and enhance their resilience as host communities;
- D) Seeking to ensure adequate reception capacities and conditions in Libya for migrants, together with the UNHCR and IOM;
- E) Supporting IOM in significantly stepping up assisted voluntary return activities;
- F) Enhancing information campaigns and outreach addressed at migrants in Libya and countries of origin and transit, in cooperation with local actors and international organisations, particularly to counter the smugglers` business model;
- G) Helping to reduce the pressure on Libya`s land borders, working both with the Libyan authorities and all neighbours of Libya, including by supporting projects enhancing their border management capacity;
- H) Keeping track of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers` activities, through cooperative efforts with Libya’s neighbours and the countries under the Partnership Framework, with the support of Member States and all relevant EU agencies and by making available all necessary surveillance instruments;
- I) Continuing support to efforts and initiatives from individual Member States directly engaged with Libya; in this respect, the EU welcomes and is ready to support Italy in its implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 2 February 2017 by the Italian Authorities and Chairman of the Presidential Council al-Serraj;
- J) Deepening dialogue and cooperation on migration with all countries neighbouring Libya, including better operational cooperation with member states and the European Border and Coast Guard on preventing departures and managing returns.
The actions referred to above, the EU statement said will be funded by the EU Trusyt Fun for Africa, which would mobilise 1.8 billion euros from the EU’s budget.
Another 152 million euros will be funded from member state contributions.
“To cover the most urgent funding needs now and throughout 2017, the EU 28 welcome the Commission’s decision to mobilise as a first step an additional €200 million for the North Africa window of the Fund and to give priority to migration-related projects concerning Libya,” the declaration said.
Source: CNA
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