Brussels, 27/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 26 February, the European Parliament confirmed the agreement negotiated between the EU and Turkey on the readmission of migrants who leave Turkey for the EU (and vice-versa). The agreement was adopted by a show of hands and sets the obligations and procedures for the readmission of migrants who enter or live in the EU or Turkey illegally - whether they be European, Turkish or from a third country. If ratified by Turkey and formally backed by the Council of the EU, the agreement will make it binding on the two parties to readmit nationals on their territory who are from third countries and who do not have a residence permit, or stateless refugees who have entered the EU via Turkish territory - or vice versa. “The readmission agreement will be of benefit both for Turkey and the European Union. It is now up to Turkey to fulfil its obligations to implement this agreement fully”, said the rapporteur, Reante Sommer (EPP, Germany). Under the terms of the agreement, Turkey will also receive financial and technical support from the EU in order to strengthen its border police and install surveillance equipment on its borders. (SP)