Video: https://youtu.be/_-ah7Nh8BmU
Dear all,
I would like to start by thanking Minister Kalinak for having organised the dinner last night on how to move forward on the reform of the Dublin Regulation.
Solidarity must be effective in reality, not just in words. Our system has to work in the long term, not just in times of crisis. We need to deepen and foster trust.
The Commission is there to support Member States in moving forward to find a solution.
Today we had important discussions on security issues.
As I have said many times before, improving information exchange, and increasing trust amongst us, is a key component to improve security.
We are not where we were one year ago when we lived the tragic attacks in Paris.
We have many important instruments on the table, either being negotiated or being implemented.
I am happy to say that this week we have added another critical piece to our bigger information sharing and borders puzzle: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS.
I welcome the broad support of ministers today.
As you know, ETIAS will gather information on all visa-free non-EU citizens who are travelling to Europe, to allow for advance security checks and limit irregular migration from third countries.
At the moment, we do not have this information. That creates a security gap.
ETIAS will be quick, cheap and easy for those travelling to the Schengen area – but it will vastly increase our knowledge over those who come in. And most importantly: those that shouldn’t.
Another important piece of our security puzzle in the fight against terrorism, is the internet. Here is where we work with the private sector to fight online terrorist activity and propaganda.
One year ago I launched the EU Internet Forum to take terrorist content off the internet, and empower civil society on passing alternative, positive narratives online.
The forum meets again 8 December, with the next JHA Council, to take further joint steps in effectively removing terrorist material online.
Today’s Council showed that there is willingness and commitment to continue moving forward in strengthening Europe’s security in all its aspects – together.
I now pass the floor to Commissioner King.