EU 'lacks means' to ease irregular migration burdens

The European Union lacks a mechanism offering solidarity to alleviate irregular migration burdens placed on peripheral countries, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said, promising Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to tackle the issue during his term as EU president.

Irregular immigration was the main item discussed during talks between Malta and Finland - the southernmost and northernmost EU borders - held at Mr Vanhanen's official residence in Kesaranta, a suburb of Helsinki consisting of tiny islands that look like giant pebbles tossed in a golden sea.

While Malta faces the challenge of illegal migration from North Africa, Finland faces an influx from the east.

Official talks - held in preparation for the Finnish presidency term that starts in July - started in the morning when Dr Gonzi, accompanied by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, arrived at the Finnish Prime Ministers' cream-coloured chalet.

During a joint press conference, Dr Gonzi said "Malta strongly believes Europe needs to have a constructive and positive policy on how to address the challenge of immigration, especially the influx from North Africa".

He did acknowledge that progress had been made as awareness increased over the past years, adding, however, that a lot more needs to be done.

Dr Gonzi stressed the importance of re-launching discussions on the much-needed EU constitutional treaty. While it was necessary to respect the views of member states that had rejected the treaty last year, the EU needed a revised framework in which to operate.

Asked for his views on Malta's adoption of the euro, Mr Vanhanen expressed confidence that the island would converge with the Maastricht criteria on time.

He said he understood Malta was worried that the single currency could increase prices, but Finland's experience had shown that a spike could be avoided.

"Statistics have proven that we managed to change over to the euro without an increase in prices, even though people believe the euro has raised prices," Mr Vanhanen said.

Asked whether he thought it was fair to cut direct aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government once it had been democratically elected, Mr Vanhanen said the new government was obliged to abide by international commitments and the EU had to make sure that actually took place.

The EU froze aid to the Palestinian government earlier this year putting pressure on Hamas to recognise Israel, renounce violence and accept past peace agreements.

"The Middle East will definitely be a priority for the Finnish presidency," Mr Vanhanen said.

Surrounded by trees, the chalet where the talks took place is mainly used by Mr Vanhanen in summer and for official functions.

"That is my latest addition, last summer," he said as the two leaders walked past a darts board.

"I wouldn't work for five minutes if I were living here," Dr Gonzi replied jokingly.

Following the press conference, Dr Gonzi was taken on a tour to the gulf of Finland on board a Coast Guard vessel. In the evening, he attended a gathering for the Maltese community hosted by Ambassador Noel Buttigieg Scicluna.

Dr Gonzi leaves Finland this afternoon for Vienna, where he will attend tomorrow's summit between the EU and 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries. High on the agenda will be ways and means how the two continents can establish a stronger political dialogue and open negotiations for association agreements, including free trade areas.