Iohannis: The Extraordinary European Council has agreed upon a document on preventing illegal migration flows

President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday, following the extraordinary European Council in Brussels on migration, that it was agreed upon a document which focuses on strengthening the presence in the Mediterranean Sea, on the fight against human trafficking and on the prevention of the illegal migration flow.
Romania could send upon request experts to Frontex, the European Union agency that manages the cooperation between national border guards, President Iohannis declared on Thursday evening, after the extraordinary meeting of the European Council; he said solidarity is needed with the states around the Mediterranean Sea facing immigration problems.
The President favours the increasing of Frontex’s budget and mentioned that Romania was already seriously involved in the agency, but could send more experts if asked.
According to him, medium and long-term solutions to illegal migration require working on its cause, namely the poverty in Africa.
“I have underlined the extreme importance of discussing this matter with the African and Arab countries, to find the best solutions,” Iohannis said.
The Council also addressed ongoing actions and ways to extend and improve them, but there was no mention of a mission in the Mediterranean Sea.
In the President’s opinion, offering asylum is a very sensitive issue, as there is no specific European legislation; voluntary actions of member states are necessary to find ways of relocating and re-settling immigrants entering the European Union through many routes.