European Parliament again calls for illegal immigration emergency fund

The European Parliament yesterday adopted a formal resolution calling upon the European Commission to propose, as soon as possible, the creation of an emergency fund to finance expert support teams at borders and tackle humanitarian crises in EU member states.

The resolution, adopted by 295 votes in favour, 271 against and 14 abstentions, also includes an amendment proposed by Nationalist MEP David Casa on the need of a revision to the Dublin II regulations that set the rules on how member states have to deal with asylum applications.

Following the amendment, the resolution calls on the Commission "to take the initiative to revise the Dublin II, by calling into question its very principle, namely that the member state responsible for dealing with an asylum application is the first country that applicants reach".

Malta is very badly affected by the current rules as, despite its small size and lack of resources, it is still held solely responsible to deal with all the asylum seekers landing on its shores.

The European Parliament has already called for a change to this system in a resolution adopted last April. Mr Casa said that "legislation must address the realities of the moment and the reality has changed since the original rules were adopted. That is why we are calling for a revision".

In their resolution, MEPs said they believe the sharing of responsibilities and financial burdens between member states must be an integral part of a common EU immigration policy.

The resolution regrets "the failure of the EU Council to define a common immigration policy". MEPs stressed the need for the integration of migrants and added that any comprehensive approach to immigration cannot ignore the push factors that lead people to leave their country.

With regard to illegal migration, MEPs "recognise the need to adopt an equitable EU return directive" and stressed that mass regularisation of illegal immigrants is not a solution in the long term. They urged member states to step up cooperation with Frontex.

The vote followed a heated debate on illegal immigration last Wednesday during which Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini accused member states of not showing "concrete solidarity" with Malta, Italy and Spain in dealing with the influx of illegal immigrants.