Burden sharing, Dublin convention changes welcomed

AD welcomes the news that the EP has approved legally binding burden sharing, and changes to the Dublin convention. This result is also due to the work of the European Greens, such as in the case of the recent Green MEP Jean Lambert report that insisted on the inclusion of the concept of mandatory burden sharing.

Immigration is a problem for it burdens the country beyond its resources and confronts it with a myriad of challenges and unknown realities that accompany migratory flows such as the one we are currently tackling.

AD believes in responsibility sharing between Member States. The Greens in the EP have continuously worked towards this target, and are also demanding that attention be given to small states and islands.

We believe that we should foster better dialogue between Member States, especially along the North-South divide, and with the countries from where immigrants are leaving. Attitudes like Roberto Maroni's dubious electioneering have to be tackled with the force of diplomacy and the proud will of a country that stands up to bullies and follows its international obligations.

When faced with such a problem, Malta must put first and foremost the country's interest, while at the same time not forgetting that we are dealing with human beings.