Highlights of the meeting of the EU heads of state or government with Turkey
At their meeting on 18 March, EU and Turkish leaders agreed to return to Turkey all irregular migrants crossing to the Greek islands as from 20 March 2016. This will be done in full accordance with EU and international law. Within existing commitments, for every Syrian returned to Turkey, another Syrian from Turkey will be resettled to the EU.
Leaders also agreed that Turkey would take any measures to prevent new routes for illegal migration.
The agreement is part of a broader strategy to tackle the migration crisis. EU leaders also highlighted other aspects, including humanitarian support to Greece, accelerated relocation from Greece, the rapid adoption of the European Border and Coast Guard proposal and further work on the future EU migration policy, including the Dublin regulation.
