Resolution on EU and Member State measures to tackle the flow of refugees as a result of the conflict in Syria

The Council held an in–depth discussion on the basis of the latest developments regarding the conflict in Syria and the protection of refugees.

The High Representative and representatives of the Commission, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of Member States (FRONTEX) updated Ministers on the latest developments. Given the deterioration of the situation in Syria, the Council recalled the strong EU commitment to step up assistance to the concerned populations in Syria and its neighbouring countries.

The Council welcomed the progress being made towards the establishment of a Regional Protection Programme and invited the Commission to continue this important work.

It also took note of the report on the results of the fact-finding mission, organised by the Commission in cooperation with EASO and FRONTEX. This mission visited Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece, with the objective of monitoring the situation in these Member States in terms of current and potential migratory pressures coming particularly from Syria.

The Council will return to this issue at the next meeting.