Mediterranean: the EU must manage migration flows and support future democracies Publication Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Communication of the European Parliament 01.03.11 - Cooperation and Europe / Health and Social
The EU needs a long-term program to support transition to democracy in the Mediterranean region and contain the potential flow of migrants, said the members of the Civil Liberties Committee on Tuesday. MEPs called on Member States to accelerate work on the package asylum "and drew attention to the solidarity necessary for the resettlement of migrants.
Regarding the possible impact of an influx of migrants, the representative of the Hungarian presidency Györkös Peter said:" The situation is currently under control ". He added that over 80% of EU citizens residing in Libya have already been evacuated. Regarding the impact of the crisis on the Mediterranean EU energy supplies, Mr Györkös said that" Europe has sufficient resources and emergency measures are not necessary.
"We can not exclude the possibility of a mass influx of migrants "as this will depend on the outcome of the process of Libya," said Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Cecilia Malmström. The EU must be ready for any eventuality and "Member States must take responsibility in a genuine spirit of solidarity, "she added, noting that 25 million euros from the emergency fund from the EU were available.
Lampedusa
The EU has triggered the Hermes operation to help the Italian authorities to manage the flow of migrants from North Africa, including Tunisia, and arrived on the island of Lampedusa, "said Ilkka Laitinen, executive director of Frontex, while confirming that during the last week" there were no new arrivals. He also said that the possibility of extending the operation Hermes to meet in Malta was under consideration. More money and personnel could be required if the emergency persists, he added.
Most migrants arrived on the Tunisian island of Lampedusa leave their country for economic reasons, "said Malmstrom. However, the situation will be closely followed, she added, noting that "Frontex and the Member States can not push a population that needs international protection.
Libya
" What is our priority: to prevent or facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid "requested Parliament's rapporteur for Libya, Ana Gomes (S & D, PT).
For Simon Busuttil (EPP, MT), the three main priorities in Libya are: put an end to violence, sending humanitarian aid and prepare for a possible mass migration. "What if Europe is facing a massive influx of migrants, is there a plan that we could apply if happens? "he asked. In the Council," Member States do not seem to favor the relocation, "he noted.
The EU Action on Libya focuses on the evaluation of EU citizens ( about 1000 people are still in Libya and many of them not currently envisage leaving the country), humanitarian aid and political action (including sanctions) to stop the violence, said Pierre Vimont, Secretary General of the European service for external action, adding that the EU is also examining the short-and long-term Egypt and Tunisia.
Immigration: Member States are ready for the state of emergency?
"border action is not enough," said Rui Tavares (GUE / NGL, PT), stressing that the EU must carry the effort on humanitarian risk and reform of its asylum system and resettlement . Claude Moraes
(S & D, UK) asked if the urgency was felt in the Council of Ministers to move the asylum package. He also emphasized that partnerships with countries of origin must be strengthened. According to Judith Sargentini (Greens / EFA, NL), the EU must put its political house in order asylum. Mr.
Györkös noted that the Hungarian presidency would seek to advance within the Council, the issue of resettlement, and asylum and migration issues will be among the priorities of the European Council's calendar June.
The 25 million sufficient?
Members noted that the 25 million euros from the emergency fund of the EU, mentioned by Malmström, may be insufficient if we face a massive influx of migrants. "What do they cover, these 25 million "Asked Mario Borghezio (EFD, IT) while noting that it is easier to cross the Mediterranean in spring and summer and it is possible that the EU must cope with new flows of migrants . "Malta and Italy should not only be to manage these issues," he noted. "An emergency fund of 25 million is nothing," added Renate Weber (ALDE, RO) .
Malmström said that in the case of a mass influx of migrants, "additional funds could be released soon," thanks to special provisions in exceptional circumstances.
A long-term vision
"It is indecent to discuss what will happen in flows of migrants and energy supply. All this must be part of a long-term," said Carmen Romero López (S & , D, E).
Most members stressed the need to assist these countries in transition to democracy and to promote their economic and social development. Mr. Vimont said that the revision of the Neighbourhood Policy of the EU, scheduled for April, will better address the new political situation.
The EU should consider a long-term support of countries in the Mediterranean and establish a new strategy for economic issues and migration, said Malmstrom.
For more information: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/
Members noted that the 25 million euros from the emergency fund of the EU, mentioned by Malmström, may be insufficient if we face a massive influx of migrants. "What do they cover, these 25 million "Asked Mario Borghezio (EFD, IT) while noting that it is easier to cross the Mediterranean in spring and summer and it is possible that the EU must cope with new flows of migrants . "Malta and Italy should not only be to manage these issues," he noted. "An emergency fund of 25 million is nothing," added Renate Weber (ALDE, RO) .
Malmström said that in the case of a mass influx of migrants, "additional funds could be released soon," thanks to special provisions in exceptional circumstances.
A long-term vision
"It is indecent to discuss what will happen in flows of migrants and energy supply. All this must be part of a long-term," said Carmen Romero López (S & , D, E).
Most members stressed the need to assist these countries in transition to democracy and to promote their economic and social development. Mr. Vimont said that the revision of the Neighbourhood Policy of the EU, scheduled for April, will better address the new political situation.
The EU should consider a long-term support of countries in the Mediterranean and establish a new strategy for economic issues and migration, said Malmstrom.
For more information: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/
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