Remarks by President Donald Tusk on theEuropean Council meeting

20 Oct 2017 10:46 AM

Remarks by President Donald Tusk on the European Council meeting of 19 October 2017.

We have just concluded our discussion about migration and the need to help Italy manage the Central Mediterranean route. Leaders agreed to offer Prime Minister Gentiloni stronger support for Italy's work with the Libyan authorities. We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route. That is why we decided that Member States will provide sufficient finances for the North Africa window of the Trust Fund for Africa, while the Commission ensures that this money is channelled to stem illegal migration. We should see concrete results within the next few weeks. Additionally, leaders decided to come back to the issue of Dublin reform in December, with a view to reaching a consensus in the first half of 2018. This timeframe and method correspond to what I proposed in the Leaders' Agenda.

And a second remark on the Leaders' Agenda. The objective of this plan is to move forward in Europe on key issues, like security or migration, while keeping our unity. And I would like to state very clearly that as long as I am here, I will be the guardian of European unity. It is not only my formal role as the President of the European Council, but - above all - it is my true belief. Because unity is, in fact, our most important strength.

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