The ministers stressed that in order to protect migrants and save their lives the fight against the criminal networks of smugglers and traffickers should remain a priority. The reinforcement of cooperation with third countries remains essential for the efficient management of migratory flows.
The ministers also discussed the opportunities of a reinforced application of the Schengen Framework, combating radicalization on the internet by setting up internet referral capabilities, fighting the illicit trafficking of firearms, and stepping up information sharing and operational cooperation.
The Council discussed the implementation of the measures contained in the recent counter-terrorism statements issued after the latest terrorist attacks in Europe.
"The terrorism threat, and in particular the threat caused by foreign terrorist fighters, is one of the biggest challenges for the EU. The Latvian Presidency is highly committed to continue the work already begun by ensuring prompt and effective implementation of the agreed measures," Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (Unity) is certain.
He believes that it is important to ensure the reinforced use of those instruments that are already at our disposal, in particular within Schengen framework, information sharing and operational cooperation.
In discussing migratory flows, the ministers welcomed the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the operational actions identified by the Task Force Mediterranean and in the Council Conclusions of October 10, 2014 on "Taking action to better manage migratory flows".
Kozlovskis said: "Migratory pressure and the management of migration flows have been identified as a high priority for the Latvian Presidency. A number of actions have already been taken and are currently being implemented. However, considering the latest developments concerning migratory pressure towards the EU we need to do more not only in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean region, but also on the land borders in the Western Balkans to address major migratory challenges."
