Europe's response to migration from North Africa

Developments in Northern Africa, and in particular potential influx of migrants from the region, were one of the main items of discussions at the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 24 February.

© European Union

The ministers reviewed technical, financial and legal instruments that are at the EU's disposal to tackle the situation in Northern Africa. They also took stock of ongoing operations and discussed general lines for further action.

Solidarity

"It is not something that concerns Southern Europe alone, it is something that concerns all of Europe and the entire world", Sándor Pintér, the Hungarian Minister of the Interior, pointed out during the ensuing press conference.

The minister, who will chair the meetings of Justice and Home Affairs Council till 1 July, also stressed the "spirit of solidarity" at the Council. All 27 member states are willing to engage and help.

The ministers and the Commission examined the EU funds available and analysed the legal possibilities.

The Council agreed that it was important for Europe not to fail to support the efforts of the countries of Northern Africa to build a democratic and more prosperous future.

Commissioner Cecilia Malmström underlined that this required short-term support as well as a long-term plan on which the Hungarian presidency, High Representative Ashton and the Commission services had already started working.

Border control operation

The EU has already launched specific operations. Following a formal request for help from the Italian Ministry of Interior, on 20 February Frontex and Italy have started a Joint Operation called "Hermes 2011" in the central Mediterranean area. Its aim is to help Italy cope with the actual and potential migratory flows from Northern Africa.

A large number of EU member states have provided technical assets and specialised personnel for this operation.

In addition to that, Frontex and Europol have started risk analysis for the region to be able to better respond to the evolving realities on the ground. Also, the EU's civil protection mechanism has been activated to speed up repatriation of Europeans from Libya.

Humanitarian aid

In reaction to the fact that large numbers of people are now fleeing from Libya to Tunisia and Egypt, Commissioner Malmström has confirmed that the EU was ready to help these two countries to cope with potential humanitarian consequences. Contacts have been established with a number of international organisations, such as the UNHCR.

Policy coordination

In more general terms, the Council intends to strengthen cooperation between the 27 ministries of foreign affairs and ministries of interior in order to reinforce the EU's overall policy towards the region.

More information:
Press release (pdf)
Press conference webcast