The Valletta summit on migration took place 11-12 November at Valletta, Malta. The stated objective was to bring together European and African Heads of State and Government in order to strengthen cooperation and address the current migration-related challenges and opportunities.
A Political Declaration and a Valletta Action Plan to manage migration flows were agreed.
The key elements of the Action Plan are designed to:
- Address the root causes of migration;
- Enhance cooperation on legal migration and mobility;
- Reinforce protection of displaced persons;
- Prevent and fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings; and
- Advance on returning persons that are not entitled to stay in Europe.
Sixteen actions were agreed to be implemented by the end of 2016.
An ‘EU Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa’ was also launched to assist implement the actions agreed at the Valletta summit.
Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald who represented Ireland at the Summit stated that Ireland will contribute €3m to the EU Emergency Trust Fund.
For more information:
- Valletta summit, 11-12 November 2015 – action plan
- Valletta summit, 11-12 November 2015 – political declaration
- Press Release Department of Justice and Equality: EU Africa Valletta Summit agrees comprehensive Declaration and Action Plan in response to the migration crisis
- Press Release Department of Justice and Equality: Minister Fitzgerald attends Valletta Summit of EU & African leaders on migration crisis
