"It is important to provide relief for war refugees and Lithuania will provide it. It is also important to tackle the root causes of the migration crisis and to make sustainable strategic decisions, which would have a lasting impact on the EU's future. It is necessary to carry out effective policies organizing the return of illegal economic migrants, to strengthen the protection of the external borders of the EU, to promote conflict resolution, to enhance the existing effort against organised crime's involvement in human trafficking and illegal transportation of persons," said Karoblis.
The Ministers stressed the importance of the functioning of the Schengen area when facing the current challenge of illegal migration in Europe.
The meeting prepared for the European Council on 15-16 October by discussing an annotated draft agenda. The European Council will focus on migration. It will also take stock of the discussion on the report on the Economic and Monetary Union and will be briefed on the analysis of the UK demands in view of a referendum. The European Council will also address important foreign policy issues.
The Council also exchanged views on a Commission letter outlining its intentions for the Commission work programme for 2016. The Commission is to adopt its work programme on 27 October.
The Ministers also discussed the work programme proposed by the Luxembourg presidency for the duration of its term of office ending 31 December 2015.
