The Council took note of the state of play on a draft proposal on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying non-EU nationals and Ministers had a full exchange of views on outstanding issues.
Since December 2007, significant progress has been made both in the discussions with Parliament and within the competent Council bodies.
The European Council has instructed the Council and the Parliament to continue their efforts to find a basis for agreement on this directive. The European Council has also pointed to the need for effective readmission and return policies. The Slovenian Presidency, in taking forward work on the directive, will continue to emphasise the need for an effective and efficient return policy. The Presidency is counting on the full support of the Member States in taking this work forward.