The Commission has today proposed a Recommendation, to be decided upon by the Council, to prolong proportionate controls at certain internal Schengen borders for a maximum period of six months.

The Commission has announced today the approval of new actions in the Horn of Africa region under the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa.

The Commission finds that good progress has been made to implement the EU-Turkey Statement.

The EU and Turkey have found an agreement in order to end irregular migration from Turkey to the EU.

Today, the Commission confirmed that Greece is in the process of returning 308 irregular migrants to Turkey, as the EU steps up its efforts to ensure that those who do not qualify for international protection will be quickly and effectively returned to their countries of origin or transit.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 25/02/2016 discussed the current migratory situation, including the monitoring of implementation of the measures already agreed at recent meetings of the European Council and Justice and Home Affairs Council.

The European Council held a special meeting with a view to adopting different orientations to address the tragic situation in the Mediterranean.

A 10 point action plan of the immediate actions has been presented by Commissioner Avramopoulos and received the full backing of Foreign and Interior Ministers.

The Joint Operational Team (JOT) Mare, a new initiative aiming to tackle the organised criminal groups who are facilitating the journeys of migrants by ships across the Mediterranean Sea to the European Union, has been launched today.

On the occasion of the European Parliament plenary session of 13 January 2015, Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos spoke on human smuggling in the Mediterranean and the needed reaction of the EU

On 11 November 2014, the European Commission has released its 6th bi-annual report on the functioning of the Schengen area covering the period from 1 May to 31 October 2014.

The European Commission published on 26 September 2014 a handbook to help EU Member States take action against marriages of convenience between EU citizens and non-EU nationals in the context of EU law on free movement. The Commission prepared the handbook in close cooperation with Member States.

2013 statistics on enforcement of immigration legislation have been released by Eurostat in September 2014.

The Court of Cassation ruled today that an administrative fine is due for carrying someone who doesn't hold documents to enter or transit Belgium, even if at the border an authorization to enter is issued.

In its ruling n° 166/2013 taken today 19 December 2013, the Constitutional Court rejected the appeal introduced with regard to the detention of families with children.

The tragedy in Lampedusa prompted an unprecedented call for action by EU leaders and citizens. On 4 December, the Commission proposed ways to increase solidarity and mutual support in order to prevent migrants' death in the Mediterranean.

On 2 December the European Border Surveillance System becomes operational. EUROSUR will make an important contribution to saving lives and will also equip the EU and its Member States with better tools to prevent cross-border crimes and to detect and provide assistance to migrant boats in distress.

Today 2 December 2013, the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) becomes operational. EUROSUR should allow Member States to react much faster to any incidents concerning irregular migration and cross-border crime or relating to a risk to the lives of migrants.

On 7 and 8 October, the JHA Council held its 3260th meeting, discussing several topics, including the recent case of Lampedusa, the protection of Syrian refugees and freedom of movement.

Today, 3 october 2013, the law of 2 June 2013 (published on 23 september 2013) has entered into force. The act amends the Civil Code, the Penal Code, the Judicial Code and the Aliens Act, to strengthen the fight against marriages and legal cohabitations of convenience.

The State Secretary for Migration and Asylum Policy and for Social Integration informed on changes and ongoing pilot projects concerning the control and reimbursement of urgent medical assistance related costs.

On 4 March 2013, the Law laying down sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals came into force.

Based on judgement in case C-83/12 Minh Koa Vo, a Member State may impose criminal penalties for aiding illegal immigration when the persons who have entered the Union territory, national of non member countries, hold visas fraudulently obtained but not yet annulled.

The Ministers responsible for asylum and migration of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom met in Brussels on 7 March 2012 to discuss measures in the field of combating illegal immigration