European leaders met yesterday for the European Council to set the priorities in the Union’s political agenda. One of the key topics debated was migration.

The European Council called for further measures to stem illegal migration and prevent a return to the uncontrolled flows of 2015. “The European Council reconfirms that a precondition for a functioning EU policy relies on a comprehensive approach to migration which combines more effective control of the EU’s external borders, increased external action and the internal aspects, in line with our principles and values” says the final document.

Regarding the Central Mediterranean route, EU leaders agreed to:

• step up efforts to stop migrant smugglers operating out of Libya or elsewhere
• continue to support Italy and other frontline member states
• increase its support for the Sahel region, the Libyan coastguard, coastal and Southern communities, humane reception conditions and voluntary humanitarian returns
• enhance cooperation with other countries of origin and transit as well as voluntary resettlement

EU leaders agreed to support efforts to prevent illegal migration in the Western Mediterranean where irregular arrivals are on the rise. This include efforts by member states as well as countries of origin and transit, in particular Morocco.

EU leaders also supported the development of a concept of regional disembarkation platforms for people saved at sea by search and rescue operations. Such platforms, suggested by UNHCR and IOM, should allow to rapidly and safely distinguish between economic migrants and those in need of international protection.

The European Council agrees on launching the second tranche of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey and at the same time on transferring 500 million euro from the 11th EDF reserve to the EU Trust Fund for Africa. In addition, leaders called for a new dedicated external migration management facility to be included under the next EU long term budget (MFF).

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