As expected, European leaders held a relatively short discussion on migration on Thursday 19 December, making no changes to the latest draft conclusions. During this 30-minute exchange, the leaders discussed the implementation of the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’, future work on returns and the concept of ‘return hubs’.
The conclusions soberly underline that the “European Council took stock of progress made in the implementation of its conclusions on migration. It took note of the recent letter from the President of the Commission, paying particular attention to important ongoing work on: the external dimension; the implementation of adopted EU legislation and the application of existing legislation; the prevention and countering of irregular migration, including through new ways in line with EU and international law; urgent efforts to facilitate, increase and accelerate returns; safe countries of origin; the fight against instrumentalisation, human trafficking and smuggling; as well as safe and legal pathways in line with national competences”.
The leaders also welcomed “the Commission's intention to put forward a legislative proposal on returns in early 2025”.
“What we have once again asked Spain for is a rapid and balanced application of the ‘Migration Asylum Pact', with economic resources and, of course, as far as Spain is concerned, special attention to the Sahel and to what West Africa represents”, summed up the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, at the end of the proceedings.
Informal meeting on migration. Prior to the opening of the Summit, a number of leaders met to discuss new and innovative approaches to migration. Chaired by Denmark and co-organised with Italy and the Netherlands, the meeting brought together the leaders of Cyprus, Greece, Malta, the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden. Viktor Orbán, for the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also attended.
“We did of course discuss Syria”, commented Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. “How can we ensure that a stable regime is established in this country? A stable regime that takes real minorities, religious or otherwise, seriously and respects the rule of law is the best basis for Syria’s return and, incidentally, the best basis for preventing all kinds of people from fleeing Syria again”.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss with Ms von der Leyen future legislation on returns and the safe third country concept, which could also be revised next year.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, emphasised as well the relevance of ‘innovative solutions’ in the fight against irregular migration, according to the Italian government.
Link to the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/ewi (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic with the editorial staff)