“We reaffirm our determination to act in full respect of human rights, international law and European values, and in conjunction with UNHCR and IOM”, – declared the EU28 from Malta Informal Summit #EUCO in Valletta today.

“On the Central Mediterranean route, however, over 181,000 arrivals were detected in 2016, while the number of persons dead or missing at sea has reached a new record every year since 2013 … we are determined to take additional action to significantly reduce migratory flows along the Central Mediterranean route and break the business model of smugglers, – says the statement.”

The priority will be given to training, equipment and support to the Libyan national coast guard and other relevant agencies, and steep up further efforts to disrupt the business model of smugglers.

Meanwhile the construction of a fence between Italy, and Austia to control area off the northbound motorway at the Brenner pass in the Alps continues.