Immigration: "Non paper" on disembarkation and controlled centre concepts released

Following the call by EU leaders at the June European Council, the Commission is today expanding on the concept of controlled centres as well as short-term measures that could be taken to improve the processing of migrants being disembarked in the EU, and giving a first outline of the possible way forward for the establishment of regional disembarkation arrangements with third countries. «Regional disembarkation arrangements should be seen as working in concert with the development of controlled centres in the EU, said the Commission: together, both concepts should help ensure a truly shared regional responsibility in responding to complex migration challenges». Commissioner Avramopoulos added: «Now more than ever we need common, European solutions on migration. We are ready to support Member States and third countries in better cooperating on disembarkation of those rescued at sea. But for this to work immediately on the ground, we need to be united – not just now, but also in the long run. We need to work towards sustainable solutions». Ambassadors meetings tomorrow, 25 July, are expected to discuss the concept of controlled centres in the EU and the possibility of rapidly using an interim framework for disembarkations of those rescued at sea in the EU. The work on regional disembarkation arrangements will also be touched upon at tomorrow’s meeting and is expected to be taken forward at a meeting with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva 30 July 2018. Only once a common EU approach is agreed will outreach be made to interested third countries.

 

Photo : A portuguese police officer, representative of Frontex agency, during on a patrol on board in Greek island of Lesbos / Angelos Tzortzinis / © European Union, 2015 / Source: EC – Audiovisual Service