European leaders are expected to call for the “accelerated return” of illegal migrants from the EU, according to draft conclusions of the European Council on 17-18 October.

The migration issue will be among the key topics to be discussed at next week’s European Council.
According to draft conclusions obtained by the Athens News Agency, the European Council is initially expected to note that “migration is a European challenge that requires a European response”.

It is then expected to call for “intensified cooperation with countries of origin and transit countries, through mutually beneficial partnerships, to address root causes and combat human trafficking and smuggling, with a view to preventing irregular departures and loss of life.”

European leaders are expected to call for “decisive action at all levels to increase and accelerate returns from the European Union”, while calling on the Commission and Council to “swiftly” present a new common approach on returns. The European Council is also expected to recall its determination “to ensure effective control of the Union’s external land and sea borders by the various means available”.