European Council Summit on migration
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
After 12 hours of tough negotiations, with Italy at some point vetoing and threatening to toss everything in the air, the 28th Summit reached an agreement.
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.
Related items
- EU Commission sees Greece's growth rate at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025
- Menidi: Forty year old woman stabbed by enstranged husband in the middle of the street - Police on manhunt
- Kosmos leader slams government inaction against climate change
- Greek police arrest 28 after Law School occupation, including 9 foreign nationals
- Syracuse exhibition on Mycenaean influence on Sicily includes golden cup of Dendra
Latest from E.Tsiliopoulos
- EU Commission sees Greece's growth rate at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025
- Menidi: Forty year old woman stabbed by enstranged husband in the middle of the street - Police on manhunt
- FM Gerapetritis: Greece will ratify Prespa Agreement when North Macedonia fully complies with its int'l commitments
- Turkish crime kingpin arrested in Athens
- Kosmos leader slams government inaction against climate change