Presidency statement: Reducing the pressure of irregular migration and ensuring effective return

Presidency statement from the informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers in Stockholm on 26 January.

Following a discussion at today’s informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers in Stockholm, the Swedish Presidency can conclude that:

The migratory situation in the EU is strained. Some Member States are under strong pressure at the moment. 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. The Pact contains important keys for dealing with the challenges.

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, and negatively affect the reception capacity, as well as the legitimacy of our national asylum and migration systems.

More needs to be done, both at national and EU level. More effective cooperation with countries of origin is crucial, but Member States also need to improve their internal processes, strengthen cooperation and take full advantage of existing capacity, not least within Frontex.

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 the tools available. Both positive incentives and restrictive measures are required. We must make use of all relevant policy areas in this regard, such as visa policy, development cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations.

A whole of government/Commission approach is necessary to respond to the challenges. We must act together, and we must act now.

There is strong support among Member States for making full use of the Article 25a mechanism, including the possibility of introducing restrictive visa measures in relation to third countries that do not cooperate on returns.

The Presidency encourages the Commission to intensify its efforts on prioritised third countries and present proposals on visa restrictions if necessary.

The Swedish Presidency intends to follow up on the discussions held today throughout the Presidency, at all levels within the Council.