Conclusions – 19 October 2017
At the start of the meeting, the Member of the European Council representing the Member State
holding the six-monthly Presidency of the Council provided an overview of progress on the
implementation of earlier European Council conclusions.
I.
MIGRATION
1.
The approach pursued by Member States and EU institutions to ensure full control of the
external borders is yielding results and must be consolidated. Overall, migratory flows are
being significantly reduced and the number of deaths at sea has decreased.
2.
The European Council is determined to pursue its comprehensive, pragmatic and resolute
approach, and to apply it wherever necessary. This entails:
vigilance on all migration routes and readiness to react to any new trends;
a pragmatic, flexible and coordinated use of all available EU and Member States'
instruments;
support for Member States directly affected or involved, including through continued
support from EU agencies;
strong cooperation with international partners as well as with countries of origin, transit
and departure;
reduction of incentives for illegal migration through effective returns;
adequate financial and other resources.
EUCO 14/17
1
EN