On Thursday 28 June in Brussels, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis participated in the European Council meeting devoted to the topics of major importance for the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on the strengthening of migration-related issues.
Latvia supports the position that efforts should be made towards strengthening the solutions for the external dimension of migration - enhanced cooperation with third countries provides tangible results in combating illegal migration, and it must be continued. In addition, it is essential to continue working to ensure an effective return and readmission policy. Thus, the European Commission's initiative to put forward proposals for a common European return policy is welcomed.
Latvia is open to discuss new ideas for tackling migration issues, including regional disembarkation platforms. It has been pointed out that this idea has to be studied in more detail, and it must comply with the international law.
According to Latvia's position, further work on reforming the Common European Asylum System must provide a solution that is acceptable to all EU Member States, and the relocation measures should be carried out on a voluntary basis.
Migratory flows to the EU have a general tendency to decrease - this year they have decreased by 50% compared to the previous year. The illegal migration flows through the Central Mediterranean continue to be low - by 17 June they have decreased by 77% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv