European Council started with discussion on migration and Syria

The first working session of the two-day European Council (20–21 October) focused on migration. The EU will further develop its cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

To tackle the root causes of fleeing to Europe, the EU will, in particular, support its partner countries in Africa with trade and development cooperation measures by pooling the resources of the EU institutions, EU countries and partner countries. At the same time, the EU will intensify the possibilities of returning those who arrive in Europe with no grounds for protection.

The June European Council decided that the priority countries are Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Senegal and Ethiopia. Finland's objective is to bring Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia under the same scheme of measures.

Over its working dinner, the European Council held a strategic debate on relations with Russia.

“We received an update from the Normandy Group's meeting yesterday. The European Council appreciates the efforts taken by Germany and France to find solutions with which to promote the Minsk agreement. The Normandy Group's decision on the drawing up of a roadmap is a step forward in efforts to implement the Minsk agreement. It is essential to continue work on the roadmap and its practical implementation,” says Prime Minister Juha Sipilä.

The European Council also discussed the situation in Syria and it strongly condemns the attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, notably Russia, on civilians in Aleppo.

The European Council calls for an end to the atrocities and for urgent steps to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to the region. The European Council also calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for resumption of a credible political process under UN auspices. Those responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights law must be held accountable. The EU is considering all available options, should the current atrocities continue.

Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, 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

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