JHA Ministers aim to reduce the pressure of irregular migration and to ensure effective returns
During today’s informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Stockholm, the Ministers discussed how to meet migratory challenges. The Swedish Presidency concluded that more needs to be done, both at national and EU level.
After the informal meeting, the Presidency stated inter alia that:
- There is an urgent need to strengthen the external borders, increase returns, and prevent irregular migration.
- Moving forward with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is central.
- Difficulties in returning third-country nationals who are not entitled to stay in the EU is a major challenge for many Member States. Current return rates are not acceptable.
- Comprehensive migration partnerships and effective readmission agreements with third countries are crucial to preventing irregular migration and improving returns.
- To make progress in relation to third countries, the EU must make full use of all relevant policy areas in this regard, such as visa policy, development cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations.
The Presidency concluded that a whole of government/Commission approach is necessary to respond to the challenges: "We must act together, and we must act now".
For further information, please read the full statement of the Presidency here.