The Malta Declaration notes that, on the Central Mediterranean route, over 181,000 arrivals were detected in 2016 and that the number of persons dead or missing at sea reached a new record every year since 2013.

Leaders decided to take additional action to significantly reduce migratory flows, break the business model of smugglers and save lives. In particular, they agreed to step up cooperation with the Libyan authorities. The priorities include:

• training, equipping and supporting the Libyan national coast guard and other relevant agencies
• further efforts to disrupt the business model of smugglers through enhanced operational action by involving Libya and relevant international partners
• improving the socio-economic situation of local communities in Libya, especially in coastal areas and at Libyan land borders on the migratory routes
• seeking to ensure adequate reception capacities and conditions in Libya for migrants, together with the UNHCR and IOM
• supporting IOM in stepping up voluntary return activities
• enhancing information campaigns aimed at migrants  

For further details, please visit the Council of the European Union web page dedicated to the informal meeting of EU heads of state or government, and read the Malta Declaration.