In recognition of the growing importance of migration related issues as an integral part of the external relations of the EU in the framework of a balanced and comprehensive approach to migration and development, the Council adopted a series of Conclusions.
Developing the Global Approach to Migration – a series of priority actions focusing on Africa and the Mediterranean, agreed in December 2005, is a fundamental priority for the Union.
The Council also recognises the importance of other migratory routes, in particular the eastern and south eastern regions neighbouring the Union. It also welcomes the outcome of the Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development held in Rabat on 10-11 July 2006, and reaffirms the Council's commitment to a close partnership between Europe and Africa and an effective follow-up.
The Council also notes the existence of migratory routes and the interrelationship between them, and invites further work, including on Eastern Africa migratory routes.
Migratory flows: The Council expresses its concern regarding the increasing illegal migratory flows in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and underlines the need to address all aspects affecting this serious situation, particularly on the sea borders, through short-, medium-, and long-term concrete measures, including maritime operational cooperation with a view to developing adequate surveillance capacities at the sea borders. It also stresses the importance of effective preparations for the EU-Africa Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development, which Libya has offered to host in Tripoli, as a contribution towards a Joint Strategy and to the second EU/Africa Summit in Lisbon as soon as possible.
Lastly, the Council reiterates the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach on migration and development in its relations with third countries. It welcomes the organisation by the United Nations of the High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development. It welcomes the Commission’s Communication which provides a useful contribution to the EU position to the High Level dialogue. The EU will participate actively in the High Level dialogue and will present to the UNSG the EU’s position as a contribution to its preparation.