EU’s Interior Ministers discussed measures that should be taken to manage growing tide of migrants seeking illegal residence in Europe, including strengthening control at external borders and reinforcing cooperation with third countries.
The Ministers welcomed the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the operational actions identified by the Task Force Mediterranean and in the EU Council Conclusions of 10 October 2014 on “Taking action to better manage migratory flows”.
At a meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Council, the Ministers agreed to strengthen surveillance at external borders and to reinforce the resources and the operational capacities of Frontex.
They also stressed that, in order to protect migrants and save their lives, the fight against the criminal networks of smugglers and traffickers should remain a priority. The reinforcement of cooperation with third countries remains essential for the efficient management of migratory flows.
“Migratory pressure and the management of migration flows have been identified as a high priority for the Latvian Presidency. A number of actions have already been taken and are currently being implemented,” Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister for the Interior of Latvia said .
“However, considering the latest developments concerning migratory pressure towards the EU we need to do more not only in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean region, but also on the land borders in the Western Balkans to address major migratory challenges,” he said.
More information:
Outcome of the Council meeting
