Lithuanian vice intermin, EU counterparts to discuss irregular migration in Sweden

VILNIUS – Lithuania's Deputy Interior Minister Arnoldas Abramavicius is off to Sweden on Thursday to discuss illegal migration and organized crime with his counterparts.

At the informal meting, EU representatives will discuss "instrumentalization of migration and organized online crime", which important issues for Lithuania, The Interior Ministry said.

Abramavicius will present the practice of returning irregular migrants to their countries of origin and underline the need to "adapt the EU legal framework to today's migration challenges".

"We needed a proper EU legal framework yesterday already to counter the instrumentalization of migration used against member states. We hope that the Swedish Presidency will continue its efforts in the negotiations with the European Parliament on amendments to the Schengen Borders Code. Our priority is to maintain the elements agreed in the Council, including the definition of instrumentalization, the reference to fixed infrastructure, the development of standards for border surveillance," Abramavcius said.

Last year, Lithuania faced an influx of foreigners trying to enter the country illegally from Belarus. Vilnius calls it a hybrid attack and responded a policy of turning away migrants.

Lithuanian officials are also seeking amendments to the existing legislation to provide for stricter migration rules in such cases.