Communication: Managing the refugee crisis: State of play of the implementation of the priority actions under the European Agenda on Migration

In the first nine months of the year, over 710,000 people – refugees, displaced persons and other migrants – have made their way to Europe, a trend which is set to continue. This is a test for the European Union. The European Agenda on Migration presented by the Commission in May 2015 set out the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management. Since then, a number of important measures have been introduced – including the adoption of two emergency schemes to relocate 160,000 people in clear need of international protection from the Member States most affected to other EU Member States. The ongoing refugee crisis, however, requires further, immediate action.

For this reason, on 23 September, the European Commission detailed a set of priority actions to implement the European Agenda on Migration to be taken within the next six months. This included both short term actions to stabilise the current situation as well as longer term measures to establish a robust system that will bear the test of time. The list of priority actions set out the key measures immediately required in terms of: (i) operational measures; (ii) budgetary support and (iii) implementation of EU law. The list was endorsed by the informal meeting of Heads of State and Government of 23 September 2015.

Three weeks later, this Communication sets out the ongoing progress in implementing the priority actions. The European Council this week provides an opportunity for Heads of State or Government to make a clear and unambiguous commitment to starting a new phase in the EU's response to the refugee crisis: one of swift and determined implementation.

ESO: Background information: Refugee Crisis: European Commission reports on progress in implementation of priority actions http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-refugee-crisis-european-commission-reports-on-progress-in-implementation-of-priority-actions/

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