European Home Affairs Ministers agree that a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the phenomenon of migration from different angles and simultaneously, as well as using effectively the tools at the EU's disposal.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela was in Brussels to discuss the follow up of the Special meeting of the European Council of April on migration.

In a statement, the government said that Ministers agreed that some measures, such as tackling the root causes in the countries of origin, need to be prioritized but will bear results in the medium and longer term.

Mr Abela stressed the fact that it is important for the different measures to be implemented and stated that the Malta Migration Summit will be an opportunity to speak directly with the African Partners at the highest level.

He highlighted that measures, such as return of those migrants that do not qualify for protection, have to become visible in both EU Member States as well as countries of origin. He also called upon the Commission to use the different policies, including development aid. There was agreement amongst Ministers that the EU has to act in a more co-ordinated and concerted manner on return and re-admission.

Relocation from Italy and Greece

The Ministers also held a debate on the recent proposal by the Commission for the relocation of 40,000 persons in need of international protection from Italy and Greece.  Ministers agreed that there is a need for solidarity, although several Ministers expressed concerns, highlighting their own problems arising from thousands of arrivals on their own territory.

Minister Carmelo Abela also spoke about Malta's challenges related to migration but said that solidarity must be shown with those countries which need it now.  He added that Malta, due to its geographical situation, has handled similar emergencies in the past and remains vulnerable.  In this regard he welcomed the commitment of the Commission to trigger similar measures for other Member States should the need arise. The debate within the Council of Ministers will now feed into the discussions of the Heads of State of the European Union that will be held later this month.

The Ministers also had discussions on safeguarding the security of the EU  through the adoption of conclusions on the renewing of the internal security strategy; the Strategy sets out the challenges, principles and guidance for the coming five years within the area of EU internal security.

Ministers held an exchange of views on how to continue with the fight against terrorism, based on two reports which were submitted to the Ministers and which listed the measures taken in this area. Ministers welcomed the content of the Reports and called for the swift implementation of the identified measures.