In a joint communication on elements for an EU strategy for Iraq, the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy proposed, on Monday 8 January, establishing a dialogue on migration with Iraq.
The Commission and High Representative state in this communication that on the basis of a technical visit of EU representatives to Iraq in December 2017, the EU aims to develop a tailor-made approach to the management of migration for the benefit of the EU and Iraq. They say that the dialogue should enable the deep-rooted causes of irregular migration to be addressed, and should enable the Iraqi authorities to be helped in managing migration flows effectively, especially by strengthening cooperation in priority areas such as the readmission of Iraqis from the EU who are in an irregular situation (including an agreement on procedures to facilitate the identification and return of those being repatriated). The dialogue should also enable help with border management, the facilitation of contact with the Iraqi diaspora in the EU, the organisation of information campaigns on the risks of irregular migration, and the fight against migrant trafficking and human smuggling. The communication says that 125,286 asylum requests were lodged with the EU by Iraqis in 2016 and that 17,605 Iraqis in an irregular situation that year were sent back to their country, while 11,723 returned there voluntarily.
The Commission and High Representative also say that a fundamental objective for the EU in the 18 months following the territorial defeat of Da'esh should be to support the efforts of the Iraqi government to stabilise the liberated areas and facilitate the safe, informed, voluntary and dignified return of displaced citizens to their legitimate homes as soon as possible, including minority groups. Continuing the provision of aid and support to Iraqis in cases of prolonged displacement is another priority.
The communication also says that the EU should help restructure and support the civil security sector, including in the fight against terrorism. In November 2017, the EU set up a mission for security policy and for joint defence of support to the reform of the civil security sector.
Other objectives are support to Baghdad in political reforms, the improvement of governance, human rights, reconciliation, an effective and independent judicial system and transitional justice, and inclusive and quality education. The communication also proposes that the EU offer its expertise to support economic reforms, and adds that closer trade ties are an important element in Iraq's reconstruction and development. The resolution of differences between the federal government and regional government of Kurdistan should be through constructive dialogue, the communication also states.
This joint communication will be a subject for discussion between the foreign affairs ministers on 22 January, and at the European Parliament, in order to contribute to the development of a new EU strategy for Iraq, which will be reviewed after two years.
The joint communication can be consulted at: http://bit.ly/2CS2Nrp (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)