EU should do more to help Malta - Barroso

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso told The Times yesterday that the EU, particularly its member states, should be doing more to help Malta deal with illegal immigration.

Speaking to The Times in Brussels a few hours before catching the evening Air Malta flight to Malta for a series of meetings today, Mr Barroso admitted that the problem of illegal immigration is a huge challenge and Europe needs to do much more to help Malta.

"Let me tell you straight and plain that I fully understand the frustration that Malta and the Maltese people feel over the issue," he said.

According to Mr Barroso, the challenge is also a big one for the entire EU as, so far, it was unprepared to tackle the problem on such a large scale. Recalling that he has been insisting with EU leaders since 2005 to commit themselves and their countries to tackle the issue collectively, Mr Barroso said member states should come more forward to help.

"The Commission does not have any ships or planes to send to Malta and we have to depend on the solidarity of member states. I am urging them to do so. It is clear that more solidarity from member states is needed."

But is solidarity simply the latest EU buzzword?

"Some progress has been achieved and we will soon start a Frontex mission around Malta to give a helping hand. But, I agree, and I do share the frustration of the Maltese people, that more has to be done. And this will be my message to all the heads of state and of government next week at the upcoming summit. This is not only a Maltese problem but it is a problem for the EU and we have to tackle it collectively."

Mr Barroso said he is very impressed by Malta's rapid integration within the EU structures and the way it is managing to make its voice heard.

"Malta is doing well and it is clearly punching above its weight," he said, adding that the island brings to the EU some natural vacations, mentioning specifically the maritime sector as one of the most important Maltese vocations valued by the EU. Mr Barroso also described Malta's achievement in meeting the criteria allowing it to adopt the euro as a big and well-deserved success.

"I think Malta has made a success by being prepared to join the euro and I am delighted that, in a few days' time, I am going to the European Council to formally propose Malta's membership of the euro area. This is well deserved because Malta has made excellent preparations and it also shows that Malta is a very reliable partner to the European Union. I think this is also good for Malta as it provides an anchor for security and stability."

Next week's summit, when the German presidency ends, is considered as one of the most crucial for the EU in the past years because leaders have to agree on the way forward on the defunct draft Constitution. Acknowledging that it will be a difficult task, Mr Barroso is confident that a compromise will be found.

"We need to see if we are able to find an acceptable compromise. So I am urging all the EU leaders to make a real effort because it is important to have a more efficient Europe in decision making. We need to settle and close this matter and I am confident that we can strike a deal."

Mr Barroso refuses to even imagine the possibility of a deal not materialising.

"I don't want to talk on a failing scenario but let's work for a deal. Of course, it will not be the end of the road as this will be a mandate for a new intergovernmental conference and there will still be time for some adjustments but I think that all the positions are there now and the political will should also be there. It is not one of the issues that we can postpone," he warned.

Mr Barroso said that, through enlargement, the EU has become a stronger voice in the EU and everyone is now looking at the European continent as a strong partner of 27 states and a trading partner of 500 million. This is why the EU needs a new mechanism to work so that it can become even more efficient.

"We will also become stronger with new rules and a new way of doing things," Mr Barroso concluded.

The whole interview with Mr Barroso will be aired on Allied Newspapers' TV programme Tieqa fuq l-Ewropa on Television Malta next Tuesday at 10 p.m. It can also be viewed as from today at http://timesofmalta.com/core/document.php?page=barroso .