"The migration crisis needs to be tackled immediately and substantially through comprehensive measures that would allow to manage the migration influx and to address its root causes. It means additional strengthening of our external borders and close collaborative work with Turkey, African and Balkan countries, a review of the EU return and readmission policies, as well as their effective application in real terms," the President said.
Proposals were put forward to set up an EU border guard, develop a unified smart borders entry-exit system, and to ensure the effective functioning of hotspots in Italy and Greece which would help to distinguish between genuine war refugees and illegal migrants.
EU leaders insist on concluding readmission agreements with countries of origin and giving the Frontex agency a mandate to return illegal migrants as well as providing financial assistance to the World Food Programme, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and trust funds for Syria and Africa.
The European Union seeks to conclude a joint action plan with Turkey to reduce the transit of refugees from Syria to Europe. A special summit will be held, together with African leaders, in Valetta (Malta) dedicated to countering human trafficking and fighting criminal networks involved in illegal migration, as well as to finding ways to improve the economic and social situation in African countries.
Speaking about Syria, the President underlined that Russia's military actions will further destabilize the situation in the Middle East and increase migration flows to Europe.
The European Council will also take stock of the progress achieved with regard to the Economic and Monetary Union. British Prime Minister David Cameron will present proposals on reforming the Community and UK's plans to hold a referendum on membership of the EU.
