Justice and Home Affairs Council, 04/03/2020, 4 March 2020

Main results

The borders of Greece and other member states affected are our common external border. Today all ministers expressed their solidarity with these countries and their readiness to support them in their efforts to protect the EU's border.

Davor Božinović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Croatia

The Council adopted a statement on the situation at the EU's external borders.

• Statement on the situation at the EU's external borders, 4 March 2020

In this statement, the Council expresses its solidarity with Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus and other member states which might be similarly affected, including in efforts to manage the EU's external borders.

While the Council acknowledges the increased migratory burden and risks Turkey is facing on its territory and the substantial efforts it has made in hosting 3,7 million migrants and refugees, it strongly rejects Turkey's use of migratory pressure for political purposes. This situation at EU’s external borders is not acceptable. The Council expects Turkey to implement fully the provisions of the 2016 joint statement with regard to all member states.

The EU and its member states remain determined to effectively protect EU’s external borders. In this regard, the EU and its member states will take all necessary measures, in accordance with EU and international law.

All member states, the Commission and EU agencies stand ready to strengthen their support to areas under pressure, including through the deployment of Frontex's rapid border intervention and additional technical assistance.