EU ministers to discuss Mediterranean crisis

EU foreign ministers will today discuss migration in the southern Mediterranean and the EU’s response to the ongoing crisis.

Foreign Affairs minister Charlie Flanagan will meet his EU counterparts at a meeting in Luxembourg, with the group already agreed on the establishment of a military operation as part of the EU’s response to the ongoing emergency.

“Operational planning has been going on for several weeks, and today the council will consider launching that mission, which will seek to disrupt the activities of illegal traffickers who ruthlessly exploit vulnerable people for profit and put their lives at risk, often taking to sea in dangerous vessels,” Mr Flanagan said.

“The EU response is made up of a number of elements, the most important being a response to the humanitarian crisis. This must be underpinned by effective actions to combat illegal migration and therefore the focus on tackling people smuggling and organised crime is to be welcomed. It is important that the immediacy of the crisis should not deflect from the broader issues giving rise to the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean.”

A strategic discussion about relations between Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the EU is also scheduled.

“We will also have a timely discussion on advancing relations between Asia and Europe,” said Mr Flanagan. “Ireland is very supportive of this initiative and sees particular benefit in stepping up engagement with multilateral Asia, particularly ASEAN. We must also consider how our regions can work more effectively together to address shared challenges such as climate change, energy and migration.

“Ireland is also supportive of efforts to further advance relations between the EU and China, including in areas such as connectivity and trade.”

UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon will join the meeting to discuss EU-UN co-operation and ministers will also discuss the current crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.