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Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs meeting on 14 October 2015

Government Communications Department
Publication date 14.10.2015 9.14 | Published in English on 14.10.2015 at 13.51
Press release 544/2015

In its meeting on 14 October 2015, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs addressed the question of migration and the deepening of EMU with a view to preparing for the European Council (15 and 16 October).

The European Council will take stock of the progress made since the September meeting of the EU heads of state or government that addressed the question of migration. Finland stresses more effective implementation of the policies adopted. 

Finland calls for well-functioning hot spot registration centres in Italy and Greece, so that migrants can be identified and registered. Finland also advocates closer border guard cooperation between Member States and a stronger role for Frontex at the European Union’s external borders. Finland deems it important that the EU’s jointly agreed return policy be executed effectively. In this context, Finland underlines the importance of reaching a quick decision together on a list of safe countries of origin. 

Moreover, to manage the migratory flows, the EU and Turkey need to work in closer cooperation. To be able to resolve the migration crisis on a permanent basis, a solution to the conflict in Syria needs to be found.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs received an update on the question of deepening EMU. The President of the European Council will relate, on the basis of a report, the discussions held with five Presidencies in the course of the autumn. The matter will be further pursued in the December European Council.

In addition, in its meeting, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined its position for the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (22 and 23 October).

Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 315, Jari Haapiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 406 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office