Strengthen our external borders
When an agreement is reached, the migration ministers will play an important role in the implementation of these measures. They are standing ready to do so. Yesterday the Council took stock of the negotiations on the European Border and Coast Guard. This agency is needed to strengthen our external borders. The Netherlands Presidency is pleased with the progress that's made thus far and is very optimistic that an agreement will be reached by April.
Restoring Schengen
The Council also talked about restoring Schengen. It is understood very well that member states need to take border measures. At the same time all countries benefit from open internal borders. That's why it's necessary to make sure that these measures become obsolete. During the Council it was agreed that Schengen has to be restored. This means that the Borders Code must be fully applied, and persons who aren't allowed in have to be refused. This includes everybody who doesn't apply for asylum.
Intensify the efforts
Irregular migration along the Western Balkans route has ended. Now it's time to fulfill our obligations. This means that waving migrants through, has to be stopped. All countries need to stand by Greece. And obligations regarding relocation, resettlement and assistance to Frontex, EASO and Europol have to be fulfilled. That is why EU-members agreed to intensify their efforts.
