Informal videoconference of the members of Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) 26 May 2020 (Zagreb) AIDE MEMOIRE Welcome: Welcome MS, COMIX countries and FRONTEX to the informal videoconference. 1.   Adoption of the agenda (WK 4921/20 REV 1) Any other business points? Thank you. 2.   Implementation of the EBCG Regulation - state of play of the recruitment of the 1 Standing Corps – challenges and way forward (10.00-11.30) –     Presentation by Frontex =      Exchange of views (7607/20; 7897/20) Objective      Identify the most pressing implementing issues for MS with regard to the mobilisation of their contribution under categories 2 and 3 of the standing corps;      Allow MS to share possible best practices or ways of practical support to ensure their contributions within the time framework set out in the EBCG Regulation Handling      Frontex will briefly present its report titled "State of play of the implementation of the EBCG 2.0 Regulation in view of the current challenges" (7607/20)      The Presidency will present the discussion paper (7897/20)      Give the floor to the Commission 1    This item is dealt with in COMIX format. 1

     Invite delegations to share their views by answering the requests raised in the Presidency paper. Speaking points      Dear colleagues, the "Implementation of the EBCG Regulation - state of play of the recruitment of the Standing Corps – challenges and way forward " is our first point on the agenda.      As you all know, the main added value of the EBCG 2.0 Regulation is the enhancement of the Frontex mandate and in particular the setting up of the standing corps, to support substantially Member States in their border management and return priorities.      The creation of the standing corps also constitutes the most challenging task in the implementation of the Regulation, with very tight deadlines that need to be respected in order to reach the objectives, in particular the operationalisation of the standing corps by the beginning of 2021.      These challenges have been considerably compounded by the pandemic, which has put the resources of all Member States under an immense strain.      Nevertheless, all the stakeholders need to rise to the occasion with a view to meeting the deadlines which are set out in the Regulation.      This is why the Presidency, with the aid of a Frontex report on the state of play of the implementation of the EBCG 2.0, prepared a note with two concrete questions.                               2

 First, I would like to give the floor to the Executive Director of Frontex and then to the Commission representative. Given the time constraints, I would like to ask all speakers to be as concise and precise as possible.  Dear Fabrice, you have the floor. [floor to Frontex]  Thank you very much for this constructive presentation and of course, for the tremendous work that you have putting together in the implementation of the EBCG 2.0. I will now invite the COM to share its views. [floor to the Commission]  Dear xxx, thank you very much for your comments, as well for all the highly remarkable work that you have been carrying out in the implementation of the EBCG 2.0.  I will now invite delegations to share their views, by focusing on the two questions: 1)     the most pressing implementing issues experienced in the national context with regard to the mobilisation of their contributions under categories 2 and 3 of the standing corps. 2)     possible best practices or ways of practical support to ensure their contributions within the time framework set out in the EBCG Regulation. [floor to delegations] 3

Possible conclusions      Thank you very much for all your input on this important topic.      The Presidency took very good note of the views shared today, which, I think, could contribute to the facilitation of the implementation of the EBCG 2.0 Regulation.      In particular, I would like to underline the following very constructive ideas/suggestions: […].      The Presidency will continue to devote its utmost attention to the challenging implementation of the EBCG 2.0 and work closely with all the stakeholders towards this objective. [allow COMIX countries to leave the informal videoconference room] 3.    Strengthening migration management capacities in the Western Balkans region (11.30-13.00) -     Presentation by the Presidency =     Exchange of views (7896/20) Objective      To present the results of the questionnaire on the bilateral cooperation between Member States and Western Balkans partners in the area of migration;      To discuss ways to strengthen migration capacities in the Western Balkan region, given the importance of the region as key transit area for irregular migrants entering the EU. 4

Handling      Welcome Europol and EASO in the informal videoconferencing room;      Presentation by the Presidency;      Give the floor to the Commission and the EEAS;      Invite delegations and agencies to share their views by answering the questions raised in the discussion paper. Speaking points      Dear colleagues, "Strengthening migration management capacities in the Western Balkan region" is our second point on the agenda today. As you remember, at the joint HLWG/SCIFA discussions in February we had a discussion on this topic, reaching the conclusion that the cooperation with our partners in the region must be comprehensive and well coordinated. It was stressed almost unanimously that the synergies of all EU and Member States’ actions in the Western Balkan region should be enhanced.      In order to establish a stepping-stone for future strategic plans to strengthen migration capacities in the region, the Croatian Presidency undertook a comprehensive mapping of Member States’ non-EU-funded cooperation and activities in the area of migration management in the Western Balkans. We thank all Member States that contributed to the questionnaire.      The results of the analysis show that 15 Member States provide support in the region. The majority of bilateral support is provided in two areas, namely border management and combating the smuggling of migrants, with over 50% of all MS activities. The results indicate a very low level of support in the field of integration and legal migration scheme, as well as a relatively low level of support in the fields of asylum, reception and return.                                5

 The mapping results also show that Member States provide support in the region through either expert assistance, equipment or financial assistance. Overall, 67% of all the assistance provided takes the form of expert assistance.  Support is not distributed equally among the Western Balkan partners and is focused mostly on the partners bordering the EU, in particular North Macedonia and Serbia.  The results of the mapping underpin the conclusions reached during our last meeting, namely that there is a need for a strategic and comprehensive approach that would result in long-term, sustainable migration management in the Western Balkan region. Our approach should therefore be well coordinated between EU institutions and Member States, in order to avoid duplication in some areas while leaving gaps in others. Our approach should also encompass equal support in all fields of migration management.  With that in mind, I would like to give the floor to the Commission for its views on the issue. Michael, you have the floor. [floor to COM]  Thank you very much Michael. I will now invite the EEAS to share its views. [floor to EEAS]                         6

     Thank you. I will now turn to delegations, as well as the agencies, and invite them to share their views, by focusing in particular on the questions raised in the discussion paper. Given the time constraints, I would like to ask you to be as concise and precise as possible. [floor to delegations] Possible conclusions      Thank you very much for all your input on these important topic.       The Presidency took very good note of the views shared today, which once again confirmed the importance of our cooperation with the Western Balkans.       In particular, I take note of the following very constructive ideas/suggestions: […].       The Croatian Presidency will continue to devote much attention to the capacities of the Western Balkan partners to manage migration flows. We are convinced that the results of the questionnaire on the bilateral cooperation will constitute a solid base for future strategic plans in the region. Conclusion of SCIFA meetings under the HR presidency 4.   Any other business (13.00-13.15) Possible DE presentation of priorities _______________________ 7