26/04/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Union and Afghanistan signed, on Monday 26 April, a joint declaration on cooperation on migration, renewing a similar declaration from October 2016 (see EUROPE 12639/14). The declaration will help “fight irregular migration and promote joint efforts in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings”, and “facilitate the sustainable reintegration of returnees to Afghanistan”, the Commission said in a statement. The text makes some “improvements” compared to the 2016 declaration, such as the “preference for voluntary return of Afghan nationals, better protection of children and a clearer definition of certain vulnerable groups”. It also clarifies the role of Member States in “joint return operations by non-scheduled flights”. The declaration was not yet available at the time of going to press. (SP)