Sixth annual European Union-International Organisation for Migration strategic meeting to strengthen cooperation on migration takes place in Brussels

Today, the sixth EU-IOM Strategic Cooperation Meeting is taking place in Brussels. This year, senior officials from the EU and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) discuss developments at global level, EU-IOM cooperation on return and sustainable reintegration and the issue of migrants' protection. Discussions focus in particular on the way forward for EU-IOM cooperation in the context of the African Union-European Union-United Nations Joint Task Force on Migrant Protection in Libya. Ahead of the meeting, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “Migration is a global phenomenon that requires a comprehensive response and global synergies. No single country or organisation can address this challenge alone. Our cooperation with the International Organization for Migration is a key element in our comprehensive approach to managing migration operationally and in all aspects and I am glad to have today the opportunity to strengthen ties with such a trusted and long-standing partner.” In the afternoon, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Avramopoulos will hold bilateral meetings with António Vitorino, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, to discuss external aspects of migration as well as the migration situation in the EU and cooperation with third countries. More information on the EU-IOM meeting is available online.