Source: European Parliament
The EU-Turkey statement[1] remains valid and is the main framework of cooperation with Türkiye in the area of migration. The statement has produced tangible results leading to a significant decrease of loss of human lives, a reduction in irregular crossings and perilous migrant journeys via Türkiye to the EU and improving the situation of refugees and migrants in Türkiye.
The number of irregular border crossings between Türkiye and the EU has remained consistently and significantly lower than before the EU-Turkey statement. The Commission expects Türkiye to fulfil its commitments from the statement, including prevention of irregular arrivals to the EU.
Full implementation of all elements of the EU-Turkey statement and the EU-Turkey readmission agreement remains key. The Commission is pursuing all strands of this key relationship, in line with the 2024 Joint Communication and the extraordinary European Council in April 2024[2], and one of the next steps should be the relaunch of the High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Security.
In December 2024, the Commission adopted a package of support worth EUR 1 billion to assist with Syrian refugees and vulnerable communities and to support Türkiye with border and migration management.
The EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean[3], contains targeted operational measures aiming at enhancing migration management along this route, including measures focused on strengthening cooperation with Türkiye regarding counter-smuggling and border management.
Among the operational measures, the action plan foresees:
— Strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit in Asia and Africa and Türkiye to counter migrant smuggling;
— Supporting border management capacities on Türkiye’s eastern borders;
— Continuing to engage with Türkiye to promote the full and effective implementation of the EU-Turkey statement and the EU-Turkey readmission agreement;
— Continuing cooperation with Türkiye on strengthening its asylum and reception systems.
The EU expects that Türkiye would protect the human rights of all irregular migrants in line with its international obligations.