Justice and Home Affairs Council, 27-28/03/2017 - Main results - Main contents
Migration
On Monday, ministers took stock of developments in the area of migration policy, focusing on the implementation of the Malta declaration of 3 February 2017. They paid particular attention to how contributions from member states could help make implementation even more effective.
“Time is of the essence. We risk seeing further tragedies in the Mediterranean, so we must act and act quickly. Every effort is being made to implement the priority actions in the Malta Declaration. In the meantime, it is essential that member states fulfil their commitments with regards to relocations from Italy and Greece and the deployment of experts to the agencies".
Carmelo Abela, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security of Malta
Ministers also took note of information from the Presidency on the outcome of the Valletta Joint Action Plan Senior Officials meeting which took place on 8-9 February 2017.
Over lunch, ministers discussed other aspects of migration policy, focusing on the deployment of resources by the member states as well as on relocation.
Return
Ministers also discussed return and readmission policy, based on the Commission i communication on a more effective return policy and a Commission recommendation on making returns more effective when implementing directive 2008/115/EC ("return directive"). The Council i's discussion centred on two aspects - the external side: improving cooperation by third countries on readmission, and the internal side: making sure the right procedures and systems are in place for effective returns. The discussions enabled ministers to offer guidance for further technical level work on these issues.
Managing migration flows and curbing migrant smugglers (background information)
Common European asylum system reform
The Council took note of ongoing work on the reform of the common European asylum system and resettlement on the basis of a progress report from the presidency. The presidency will continue its efforts to take forward work on as many proposals of the package as possible.
Progress report - reform of the common European asylum system and resettlement
Travel document fraud
The Council adopted without discussion conclusions on the action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud. The conclusions focus on the importance of more secure breeder documents and the need for an overhaul of the FADO database (false and authentic documents online) through a change of its legal basis.
Travel document security is a fundamental element in the fight terrorism and organised crime. It also contributes to improve migration management and border protection.
Agenda highlights for 28 March
Justice
The Council will review progress at technical level on several legislative proposals:
the directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content
the directive on countering money laundering by criminal law
the regulation on mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders
Ministers will discuss the state of play and way forward on the topic of criminal justice in cyberspace as well as exchange views on policy options for the criminal justice response to the issue of foreign terrorist fighter returnees.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3528
Brussels
27/03/2017
09:00
Preparatory documents
Indicative programme - Justice and Home Affairs Council of 27-28 March 2017
Revised provisional agenda, Justice and Home Affairs Council, 27-28 March 2017
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Justice and Home Affairs Council, 27-28 March 2017
Outcome documents
Outcome of the Council meeting
Press releases
27/03/2017, 11:55
Press information
23 March 2017
Press briefing
10:30
Press room - Justus Lipsius building - by Ambassador Marlene Bonnici
27 March 2017
Press opportunity
08:30
Europa building - Arrivals
09:00
Presidency doorstep
10:00
Roundtable (Meeting of the Mixed Committe)
Press conference
17:15
Press room - Justus Lipsius building
28 March 2017
Press opportunity
08:00
Europa building - Arrivals
09:00
Presidency doorstep
09:30
Roundtable
Press conference
14:45
Press room - Justus Lipsius building
Press contacts
Press officer
+32 22814548
+32 470882199
Press officer (Justice; Corporate communications)
+32 22818914
+32 473865437
If you are not a journalist, please send your request to the public information service.
Photos and videos
Press conference (Home Affairs) - part 1
Anders Ygeman, Dimitrios Avramopoulos and Morgan Johansson
Start of the meeting
Carmelo Abela
Roundtable 27/03
Topics:
Justice and Home Affairs Council: Other meetings
Last reviewed on 27/03/2017
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