The EU is looking forward to Malta presidency for finding consensus on  common European asylum policy. Today’s Summit reconfirmed its committment to EU-Turkey agreement on migration, and pledged to continue supporting countries along Western Balkans migration route.  The enhancement of EUNAVFOR operation Sophia in Mediterranean next to Libyan coast to block the business of smugglers remains in focus.

‘The effective application of the principles of responsibility and solidarity remains a shared objective. Sustained efforts over the past months to review the Common European Asylum System have shown some areas of convergence, while other areas require further work. Building on this work, the Council is invited to continue the process with the aim of achieving consensus on the EU’s asylum policy during the incoming Presidency’ (source: European Council)