On 20 and 21 October, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis will leave for a working visit to Brussels to participate in work of the European Council meeting.
It is expected that this working session of the European Council will discuss the European Union's (EU) migration policy. The debate will focus on migration flows from third countries. The leaders will continuously look for ways to restrict migration flows from third countries. It is emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring uniform EU coast and external border guards, as well as cooperation with third countries.
In the report on progress with regard to the implementation of the EU-Turkey Agreement, the European Council concludes that the agreement is being implemented in even more efficient and intense manner. Even though the migration flows from Turkey to the Greek islands remain low, in comparison with the situation in the summer of 2015, they still continue.
This European Council will hold a debate on the EU trade policy and analyse the situation with regard to the EU-Canada Trade Agreement, as well as the progress in concluding the foreign trade agreements with the USA, Japan and other countries.
No less important issue under discussion is the EU-Russia relations, including the implementation of the Minsk agreement.
Russia's actions in the Syrian conflict will also be discussed. The leaders will try to find a humanitarian solution to the war-affected city of Aleppo and the rest of the territory of Syria, as well as the possible conflict settlement within the UN framework.
Supplementary information:
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
Andrejs.vaivars@mk.gov.lv