Speaking at a meeting of European Union Home Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg earlier today, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela highlighted the upcoming Valletta Summit on Migration as a unique opportunity to breathe new life into cooperation between Europe and Africa in terms of migration.
The Summit, which will take place in Malta on 11-12 November, will bring together EU and African leaders in order to discuss a range of concrete initiatives in order to address migration in the Mediterranean. In this respect, Minister Abela stated that Malta is expecting tangible deliverables, and a commitment to implement the agreed actions.
During the meeting in Luxembourg, Ministers also discussed the future of the EU's Return Policy for those migrants who arrive illegally and do not qualify for international protection. Minister Abela stated that "the effective return of those [...] with no right to stay within the EU is an essential element in maintaining the feasibility of the EU's asylum system". The Council agreed on several measures to enhance the efficiency of return and re-admission, underlining the importance of cooperation between the EU and third countries of origin in this context.
The future of the EU's border management was another item on the Council's agenda. While underlining that border control must always remain a sovereign competence, Minister Abela expressed support for efforts to reinforce existing structures - notably the role and operational capacity of Frontex. He also expressed support for EU cross border exercises aimed towards enhancing readiness and preparedness of Member States and their capacities to respond to emerging crises. He also stressed the importance of Frontex assisting third countries to build up their capacity on border management.
Ministers were also updated on a number of ongoing measures relating to internal security, and the fight against cross-border serious and organized crime. The Council also agreed measures to reinforce the fight against illicit trafficking of firearms.
Later on this evening Minister Abela will be participating in a High Level Conference on the East Mediterranean and Western Balkan migration route after the Council meeting, where the EU, Turkey and the Western Balkan countries will discuss the refugee crisis with a view to agreeing to a series of measures to be taken in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility in order to face this common challenge.