Minister Abela and Estonian counterpart in talks on Home Affairs key areas of concern in current and the incoming Presidencies
26.01.2017
Minister Abela and Estonian counterpart in talks on Home Affairs key areas of concern in current and the incoming Presidencies
The ministers expressed
their common interests
of giving priority to
issues related to
migration and security
throughout their
Presidencies, especially
those related to the
amendments of the
Dublin Regulation and
proposals related to
legal migrations.
Estonia looks forward to working closely with Malta during the upcoming months, to ensure a smooth transition between Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and that of Estonia, which will take place right after on portfolios related to Home Affairs, particularly those on migration and security.
This was remarked by Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia Andres Anvelt who held a bilateral meeting with Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela. During this meeting both ministers expressed their enthusiasm on exchanging frank views on such portfolios, especially during the ending part of Malta’s Presidency.
The ministers expressed their common interests of giving priority to issues related to migration and security throughout their Presidencies, especially those related to the amendments of the Dublin Regulation and proposals related to legal migrations.
Minister Abela stated that throughout the coming discussions he hopes that, though the sharing different opinions, Member States will be willing to reach a compromise on a common European Asylum System.
Minister Carmelo Abela expressed his gratitude towards the Slovak’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union for spearheading a debate on this important issue. He added that the Maltese Presidency is determined to do its utmost to ensure that concrete steps forward in this field are taken.
Minister Abela also expressed his optimism that there will be the political will to focus also on issues related to Border Management.
Estonia will be holding the Presidency of the EU Council for the first time in the second half of 2017. The preparations for the Presidency have started which are being coordinated by the Government Office.
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