Luxembourg, 26/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - A fortnight ahead of the EU-Africa Valetta summit (Malta, 11-12 November), EU development ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on Monday 26 October, debated the contribution of development policy to the EU's overall response to the current migration crisis.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini pointed out that African countries find themselves on the front line and are making considerable efforts in managing the migratory flows. They are the first to care for refugees, with many taking in millions, just like the countries neighbouring Syria (Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon) with refugees from that country. All were in agreement that the problem to be solved is identifying how to help the EU's partner countries “manage a joint problem” and thus avoid misunderstandings in how the crisis is viewed.
Beyond the concept of “More for More”, ministers were of the view that development policy can help address the root causes of migration. Most gave their backing to the emergency trust fund for Africa and confirmed that their countries would contribute to it but without stating figures, that not being the point of the debate. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)