EU leaders called for “enhanced cooperation” with countries outside of the bloc to prevent “irregular” migration, at their summit in Brussels on Thursday (17 October).
A group of 11 member states had pushed for a controversial plan to send asylum seekers to so-called “hubs” in “safe” third countries — but no unanimity could be found.
“We discussed it, and we will soon come up with a new approach for returns,” EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told a press conference.
A proposal centred around voluntary returns already exists, but this plan is stuck in both the EU Parliament and the EU Council.
The details of the new strategy still need to be fleshed out, but the idea is that migrants who need protection would be sent to “safe third countries” outside Europe.
Another part of the plan focuses on preventing migrants from attempting dangerous crossings in the first place. To achieve this, the commission will likely propose funding for UNHCR-led operations where migrants will be held.
Thursday’s debate had been “emotional” at times, an EU diplomat, who requested anonymity, told EUobserver.
Wester van Gaal