The Commission is today reporting on the progress made on the EU’s relocation and resettlement schemes and the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement. At the same time, it is outlining the steps still needed to be taken by Greece in view of a future resumption of Dublin transfers from other Member States while also reporting on the temporary border controls carried out at internal Schengen borders under the Council recommendation of 12 May 2016.
European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “The implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement has continued, and the reduction in attempts to cross the Aegean and in deaths at sea has confirmed its core rationale. I also welcome the efforts of Member States to increase relocation and resettlement. However, those who can do more should do so urgently. We can only effectively manage asylum and migration in Europe, and preserve the Schengen area, if we all work together in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility.”
Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “All our measures on migration are interlinked. The EU-Turkey Statement has led to concrete positive results. The increased efforts made by Member States over the past months on relocation, with more than 1,200 relocations alone in September, demonstrate that relocation can be speeded up if there is political will and a sense of responsibility. The success of our common approach over the last months is essential for the success of everything else, including a gradual return to the Dublin system and a normal functioning of Schengen. Relocation has to succeed.”
A press release on all reports adopted today and Q&As on the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement and the EU’s approach for temporary internal border controls are available. More information on the European Border and Coast Guard, which will be launched on 6 October, and updated factsheets on Relocation and Resettlement, EU financial support to Greece, the Schengen rules, the Facility for Refugees in Turkey and the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement are also available.
