The main debate focused on managing migration flows in the Mediterranean region which have substantially increased in recent times due to the political instability in the region.

Members were presented with the specific cases of Syria and Turkey which are under extreme pressure and they strive to find the means to put in place adequate receiving structures for asylum seekers and refugees. There was an unanimous call for a global approach on migration fully associating the LRAs as well as the need to put an end to the deadly crossing of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Members also discussed cohesion policy and the extension of macro regional approaches to Western and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Mr Drăghici, mayor of Vulcana Bai, who with Cllr.Gillham represented the EA group in the meeting, while touching upon the example of the Danube Region, highlighted the advantages of setting up a macro region as an effective tool to tackle joint challenges and to enhance regional cooperation and development.