Migration, Libya, Yemen feature on the agenda of EU Foreign Affairs Council
Migration and the crisis in Libya were at the core of the discussion at the meeting of EU Foreign ministers in Luxembourg, on Monday. Upon invitation of Federica Mogherini i, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Interior ministers joined the discussion on a common action on migration and human trafficking following the tragic recent events in the Mediterranean.
Speaking after the meeting, Mogherini lauded the efforts of over 40 ministers to come together at short notice: "Today, we gave a strong EU reaction to the tragedies we have seen in the last few days. We agreed to act fast and act together."
Ministers agreed to reinforce the fight against trafficking of human beings, to strengthen EU action to save lives at sea as well as enhance support for countries on the front line, with a view of sharing the resettlement of refugees. EU diplomacy will also focus on the root causes of migration, including conflicts, poverty and human rights violations. A set of proposals will be on the table of the extraordinary European Council on Thursday.
At their meeting ministers took stock of the situation in Libya, which is heavily affected migrant flows, and discussed options for the EU support to the formation of a national unity government.
The Council also held a strategic debate on EU relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. EU foreign ministers agreed to develop innovative ways of cooperating with the states of the region which are important allies in finding multilateral solutions to common global challenges.
During the discussion on Yemen, the Council voiced serious concern about the situation in the country which is deteriorating fast. Ministers joined the international community's call for an inclusive political process and underlined that ultimately the solution to the crisis must be a political one. The Council also urged all sides to give unrestricted access to humanitarian aid relief so that vital assistance can be delivered immediately.
Links:
Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council
Council conclusions on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy
Council conclusions on the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020
Video of the press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council
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