merrion street

The agreements set out clear obligations and procedures for the authorities

of EU Member States and of Cape Verde and Armenia as to how and when to

take people back who are illegally residing in each other’s territories.

The agreements apply to nationals of the participating states and to third

country nationals.

The Readmission Agreements with Cape Verde and Armenia, in conjunction

with the respective Visa Facilitation Agreements signed with both states

last year, are an important step towards the better management of migration

flows between the European Union and both Armenia and Cape Verde. The

Agreements are expected to come into force in the coming months, at the

same time as the respective Visa Facilitation Agreements.

Welcoming the Agreements with Cape Verde and Armenia, Ireland’s Minister

for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter said:

“These Readmission Agreements are a further step towards a comprehensive

and balanced migration policy between the European Union and Cape Verde and

Armenia and I look forward to continued cooperation with both states in

addressing the challenges and opportunities resulting from migration.”

The Readmission Agreements were signed on behalf of the EU by

representatives of the Irish Presidency and of the European Commission. The

agreements were signed on behalf of Cape Verde by Ambassador Maria de Jesus

Mascarenhas and on behalf of Armenia by Edward Nalbandian, Minister for

Foreign Affairs.

The conclusion of both Agreements requires the consent of the European

Parliament and the Council.

These agreements further support the Presidency’s work in regard to asylum

and migration policy as outlined in our Presidency Programme. Progress has

been achieved on the Common European Asylum System (LINK) and the

Presidency will continue to advance negotiations on other legislative

proposals in regard to asylum and immigration matters.