Safer borders and Eurodac among great results under Slovak Presidency
Brussels (9 December) - The reform of the Common European Asylum System, migration as well as fight against terrorism and organised crime were among key topics discussed by the last Home Affairs Council under the Slovak presidency. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák.
“This is an important part of the Common European Asylum Reform, one of our top priorities. I'm glad to see the progress on which the Maltese presidency can build on.”
Robert Kaliňák
Common European Asylum System
Home affairs ministers discussed the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and agreed a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the Eurodac regulation.
Robert Kaliňák, Minister for the Interior of Slovakia and President of the Council said: “This is an important part of the Common European Asylum Reform, one of our top priorities. I'm glad to see the progress on which the Maltese presidency can build on.”
They were also briefed by the Presidency on the state of play of the remaining files of the reform of the CEAS and resettlement.
Common European Asylum System reform: Council ready to start negotiations on Eurodac
Migration
Ministers discussed the situation on the ground and the flows along the main migration routes, and evaluated the EU response agreed and implemented so far. Ministers addressed specifically issues such as the deployment to agencies (in particular EASO and Frontex), relocations, the implementation of the European Border and Coast Guard regulation and the Partnership Framework, especially the results achieved on returns and readmission with the five priority countries.
Ministers supported the efforts of the European Asylum Office (EASO) to take all necessary steps to enable experts to be recruited directly by the agency in order to alleviate critical staff shortages.
Fight against terrorism and organised crime
The Council took note of a report from the EU Counter-terrorism coordinator setting out policy options to face the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters returnees. Ministers tasked experts to continue the discussion with a view to the possible development of EU policy measures regarding this phenomenon.
Ministers also took note of the proposals made by France and Germany on the need to improve the cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and electronic service providers.
Other issues
The Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the member states adopted conclusions on the integration of third-country nationals legally residing in the EU.
Council conclusions on the integration of third-country nationals legally residing in the EU
The Slovak presidency informed ministers on the agreements reached with the European Parliament to reinforce checks at external borders and on the visa suspension mechanism.
Schengen Borders Code: agreement to reinforce checks at external borders
Visa suspension mechanism: Council confirms agreement with Parliament
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