11. Conclusioni del Consiglio europeo, del 24-25 ottobre 2013

[Estratti]

V. MIGRATION FLOWS

46. The European Council expresses its deep sadness at the recent and dramatic death of hundreds of people in the Mediterranean which shocked all Europeans. Based on the imperative of prevention and protection and guided by the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, determined action should be taken in order to prevent the loss of lives at sea and to avoid that such human tragedies happen again.

47. The European Council underlines the importance of addressing root causes of migration flows by enhancing cooperation with the countries of origin and transit, including through appropriate EU development support and an effective return policy. It also calls for closer cooperation with the relevant international organisations, in particular UNHCR and the International Organisation of Migration in the third countries concerned. Not only in the territory of the EU Member States but also in the countries of origin and transit, the fight against trafficking and smuggling of human beings should be stepped up. Furthermore, the European Council calls for the reinforcement of Frontex activities in the Mediterranean and along the Southeastern borders of the EU. Swift implementation by Member States of the new European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) will be crucial to help detecting vessels and illegal entries, contributing to protecting and saving lives at the EU’s external borders.

48. The European Council invites the newly established Task Force for the Mediterranean, led by the European Commission and involving Member States, EU agencies and the EEAS, to identify –based on the principles of prevention, protection and solidarity – priority actions for a more efficient short term use of European policies and tools. The Commission will report to the Council at its meeting of 5-6 December 2013 on the work of the Task Force with a view of taking operational decisions. The Presidency will report to the European Council in December.

49. The European Council will return to asylum and migration issues in a broader and longer term policy perspective in June 2014, when strategic guidelines for further legislative and operational planning in the area of freedom, security and justice will be defined.