"The migration crisis is a challenge for both Turkey and the European Union; therefore, we must resolve it together. We have taken on joint commitments to stem the flow of migrants to Europe and we must implement them without delay. So far, refugees have been moving faster than we have been implementing our decisions," the President said.
Dalia Grybauskaitė emphasized that Turkey's active steps in preventing illegal migration, taking back economic migrants and combating people smugglers were necessary to manage the migration crisis.
The summit between EU leaders and the Turkish Prime Minister seeks to ensure that Turkey minimizes the number of migrants entering Europe through its territory. Turkey needs to readmit faster those who come to Europe for economic reasons – not refugees from conflict. Currently, people who are fleeing war in Syria make up a little less than half of all arrivals crossing into the EU. However, this year only about 300 migrants have been returned from Europe to Turkey.
Among the other issues discussed with the Turkish Prime Minister are Turkey's more active steps in fighting criminal networks that profit from people smuggling. It is important to ensure that Turkey takes back boats carrying migrants detained in its waters. NATO ships, which have started patrolling in the Aegean Sea today, can also contribute to that.
The EU has pledged to allocate 3 billion euros for the implementation of the EU-Turkey Action Plan agreed last year. According to the President, it is much more beneficial for Lithuania and the whole of the European Union to help Turkey so that refugees are provided with assistance nearer their homes.
The EU-Turkey summit will also discuss the situation in Syria, Turkey's negotiations on EU membership, issues concerning a visa-free regime, and press freedom in Turkey.
