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BRATISLAVA, Sept.16 (Xinhua) -- The EU's migration policies should be based on the principle of flexible solidarity, said a joint statement from the Visegrad Four presented at the informal EU summit here on Friday.
It is necessary to halt the influx of illegal migrants, the V4 countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) stressed, adding that a boost in the cooperation with third countries, including Turkey, and safeguarding of the outer Union border must be among the key instruments.
The protection of borders of EU members and third countries located on the migration routes is viewed by V4 as an effective way of dealing with migration, said the statement.
In terms of security, V4 highlighted the need of tackling terrorism and cross-border crime.
"The response must be flexible and aimed at practical solutions. We should focus our efforts on full implementation of commitments that already have been approved concerning the bolstering of security in the Schengen Area and the protection of outer borders. With this respect, it is necessary to make the European Border and Coast Guard operational as soon as possible," appealed the group.
According to the V4, current challenges faced by the EU confirmed that Europe can be strong only when Union members and their people are given a strong say in decision-making processes.
They said this includes two priorities: loyal cooperation and balance between European bodies in line with current treaties, and a boost of the role of national parliaments.
At the same time, V4 called on preserving and respecting the diversity of EU members, and urged that EU's legislative norms must be applied in an equal manner in all countries.
Meanwhile, the Central European quartet supported the setting up of the European Travel Information and Authorization System.
"We should also specify how cooperation should be bolstered in order not to introduce duplication of task with NATO, and at the same time we should implement a European global strategy without any further delays," added the joint statement. Enditem
