Asylum policy
#Migration: ‘It is essential that EU countries fulfil their commitments concerning relocations’
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Yesterday (27 March) ministers took stock of developments in the area of migration policy, focusing on the implementation of the Malta declaration of 3 February 2017. They paid particular attention to how contributions from member states could help make implementation even more effective.
Carmelo Abela, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security of Malta, said: “Time is of the essence. We risk seeing further tragedies in the Mediterranean, so we must act and act quickly. Every effort is being made to implement the priority actions in the Malta Declaration. In the meantime, it is essential that member states fulfil their commitments with regards to relocations from Italy and Greece and the deployment of experts to the agencies."
Returns
Ministers discussed return and readmission policy, based on the Commission communication on a more effective return policy and a Commission recommendation on making returns more effective when implementing the “return directive" (2008/115/EC). The Council's discussion centred on two aspects - the external side: improving cooperation by third countries on readmission, and the internal side: making sure the right procedures and systems are in place for effective returns. The ministers suggested further technical level work on these issues.
Common European asylum system reform
The Council took note of ongoing work on the reform of the common European asylum system and resettlement on the basis of a progress report from the presidency. The report looks at three specific themes: limiting the abuse of secondary movements; socio-economic rights of asylum seekers; and, guarantees for those with special needs.
Travel document fraud
Travel document security is a fundamental element in the fight terrorism and organised crime. It also contributes to improve migration management and border protection.
The Council adopted without discussion conclusions on the action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud. The conclusions focus on the importance of more secure breeder documents and the need for an overhaul of the FADO database (false and authentic documents online) through a change of its legal basis.
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