European Council Summit on migration

Shortly after 7:30 the text of the conclusions of the Migration Summit of 28 was published.

"The European Council reaffirms that the prerequisite for a functioning EU policy is based on a comprehensive approach to migration, combining more effective control of the EU's external borders, increased external action and internal aspects in relation to our principles and values. It is not a challenge for a single Member State, but for Europe as a whole," is mentioned in Article 1 of the conclusions.

Turkey

The 28 have decided to give Turkey a second installment under the EU-Turkey agreement. At the same time, they argue that Turkey will have to abide by bilateral agreements on refugee returns (Turkey has said it is stopping the implementation of the agreement with Greece on returns).

Closed centers of immigrants

They also agreed on the creation of common reception centers for asylum seekers and the processing of their applications, but also to restrict the freedom of movement of migrants from one country to another in order to satisfy the claims and to reassure the concerns raised by Italy and Germany.

"All measures within these controlled centers, including relocation and resettlement, will be taken on a voluntary basis," note the conclusions of the Summit, agreed after negotiations lasting more than nine hours.

Small Schengen

The 28 also agreed to tighten controls on external borders: " The European Council is determined to continue and strengthen this policy to prevent a return to the uncontrolled flows of 2015 and to further curb illegal immigration on all existing and emerging routes."

Money for Africa

The Summit, in addition to raising funding in Turkey, has also decided to increase funding in Morocco and other countries in North Africa to halt migratory flows to Europe.

The ships in the Mediterranean

"Regarding the Central Highway of the Mediterranean, efforts should be stepped up to stop traffickers from Libya or elsewhere. The EU will continue to stand by Italy and other Member States. It will step up its support for the Sahel, the Libyan coastguard and the southern communities, human reception conditions, voluntary returns, cooperation with other countries of origin and intermediaries as well as eco-resettlement."

All ships operating in the Mediterranean must respect the laws and not prevent Libyan Coast Guard operations, "it said in the first articles of the Conclusions.