Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission
30.1.2017
Afghanistan remains one of the main countries of origin of irregular migration to the EU[1]. It is also listed under long-term perspective in the June 2016 Communication[2].The EU‐Afghanistan Joint Way Forward (JWF) on migration issues is a non-legally binding joint commitment setting out a framework for cooperation on return, readmission and reintegration of irregular migrants.
In parallel, the Commission is launching the reintegration programme, to support the sustainable reintegration of Afghan nationals returning from Europe but also from neighbouring countries, complimentary to support financed by Member States' programmes.
There is no targeted EU initiative regarding the legal admission of Afghan nationals in need of international protection from abroad to the territories of EU Member States with a view to granting them international protection there. Nevertheless, on 13 July 2016 the Commission made a proposal[3]. which includes a provision on factors to be taken into consideration when determining the regions or third countries from which resettlement shall occur and foresees that the targeted Union resettlement schemes shall include a description of the specific group or groups of third-country nationals or stateless persons to whom they shall apply.
On de‐ radicalisation, the EU fully supports the Afghan authorities in their efforts to fight militant jihadism, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). The EU acknowledges the importance to address the root causes of radicalisation, including through education and related actions and address this through several EU-funded projects. The EU has an active political dialogue on anti-radicalisation with the Government.
- [1] With 267,000 illegal border crossings in 2015 and 50,200 in 2016 (until the end of October) according to Frontex data
- [2] Communication on establishing a new Partnership Framework with third countries under the European Agenda on Migration
- [3] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Union Resettlement Framework and amending Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council — COM(2016)468 final. Currently under negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council and part of a broader package of measures designed to reform the Common European Asylum System.