Germany leading by example in solidarity stakes - Ambassador

Germany's Ambassador to Malta believes his country is leading by example by putting the much-touted EU concept of solidarity into practice where illegal immigration is concerned.

Ambassador Karl Andreas von Stenglin underlined his country's commitment to help Malta deal with the influx of African migrants, especially through the EU's border agency Frontex.

In an unprecedented move, Germany said it would assume responsibility for illegal migrant survivors picked up by its two helicopters during the Nautilus II mission in the central Mediterranean.

Germany is contributing two helicopters to the Frontex mission, in stark contrast to Mediterranean states Italy, France, Greece and Spain, which have not yet started chipping into the operation.

"The essence of European co-operation is to give assistance to people in need... Given the specific situation of Malta, a tailormade solution for a better border management has to be found, and agreed upon," Mr von Stenglin told reporters during a news conference to mark the conclusion of Germany's EU Council Presidency.

He said that the starting point of the Germany presidency came against a difficult background - the process of the draft constitutional treaty was in limbo, environment and energy supply concerns were rife, and the negative effects of globalisation on the rise.

Germany, however, worked hard to resolve the constitutional crisis and end its paralysis. The agreed mandate for the reform treaty negotiations to be concluded at the end of the Portuguese presidency will enable the EU to address the new challenges.

The ambassador said that Malta had achieved the goals it set out, among others, obtaining the green light for the adoption of the euro in January. Malta also managed to secure an additional seat in the European Parliament and became eligible for special funding due to recognition as a small island state.