The European Parliament has adopted a report seeking better protection of the human rights of migrants on the external borders of the European Union and formalisation of readmission agreements with third countries.

The report was adopted at a plenary session on Wednesday by a slim majority of 358 votes in favour, 309 against and 26 abstentions.

Since 2016, the EU and some EU member states have concluded informal agreements with third countries to increase border control with the aim of preventing violations of migrants’ human rights and people trafficking. However, there have been worrying trends of violations of those agreements, which is why they should be formalised, the report said.

The cooperation with third countries is not based on clear human rights criteria. Informal cooperation is not a solution because it is not subject to parliamentary and judicial oversight, Foreign Affairs Committee rapporteur Tineke Strik said. This practice leads to migrants and refugees getting stuck in countries in which they have no rights or protection, she added.

MEPs therefore urged the Commission to formalise readmission agreements with third countries and ensure transparent and independent supervision of border procedures.

Croatian MEP Karlo Ressler (HDZ/EPP) said that the problem results from the lack of capacity of the EU’s partners, primarily in southeastern Europe, and the abuse of the international protection system, which is often connected with smuggling activities.

Situations like this can also be seen in Croatia, which is particularly exposed to migratory pressure. We need to strengthen the migration management capacity in southeast Europe because that is important both for human rights and for stability in southeastern Europe, Ressler said.