Managing the Refugee Crisis: Commission reports on progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement

The European Commission adopted on 15 June 2016 its second report on the EU-Turkey Statement. It shows that while there had been further good progress in its implementation, progress achieved remained fragile. The report stated that the continued sucessful implementation would depend mainly on the political determination of all parties involved.

The document noted the continued decrease of people crossing irregularly or losing their lives in the Aegen on their way from Turkey into Greece. It also highlighted the increased efforts from member states on resettlement.

Since the publication on 4 May 2016 of the Third Progress report on the implementation of Turkey's Visa Liberalisation Roadmap, progress had also continued towards fulfilling the remaining benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Managing the refugee crisis: Commission reports on implementation of EU-Turkey Statement http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-managing-the-refugee-crisis-commission-reports-on-implementation-of-eu-turkey-statement/

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/16/1664, 04.05.16: Implementing the EU-Turkey Agreement – Questions and Answers http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-1664_en.htm

EUObserver, 15.06.16: EU gives up on Turkey visa deadlines https://euobserver.com/migration/133840

ESO: Background information: Merkel warns Erdogan his authoritarian drift endangers visa deal. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: No Turkey visa waiver, no refugee deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-warns-erdogan-his-authoritarian-drift-endangers-visa-deal-recep-tayyip-erdogan-no-turkey-visa-waiver-no-refugee-deal/

Politico, 15.06.16: ‘Fragile’ progress on EU-Turkey migration deal http://www.politico.eu/article/visa-deadline-fragile-progress-on-eu-turkey-migration-deal/

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