Salzburg, Austria, 20 September 2018 – Yesterday evening, during the discussion on migration at the informal meeting of heads of states and governments of the European Union, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas highlighted the need for more co-operation with third countries.
The leaders of the member states of the EU discussed the latest developments regarding the management of illegal migration. “Although the European Union has shown results in dealing with the migration crisis and the number of illegal immigrants has dropped, work on improving the situation in the Mediterranean must continue. We need closer co-operation with countries outside the European Union, especially with African countries. We need to make better use of all our trade, visa, and development policies,” said Prime Minister Ratas. “There is also a need to step up efforts to quickly return the people who do not have the right to receive international protection from the EU,” said Ratas.
Ratas expressed hope that European Commission’s new initiative for an alliance between Africa and Europe will help to find long-term solutions to migration issues. The aim of the initiative is to support African countries through jobs, skills, and private investments.
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, proposed to hold an EU–Arab League summit in early 2019 to discuss co-operation on migration issues.
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