Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Leaders express solidarity but make no new pledges
EU leaders yesterday discussed the need to show more solidarity with overburdened member states, including Malta, in their fight against illegal immigration and will today approve summit conclusions to this effect.
However, despite their stance, it seems no new pledges have been made to Malta since last July's launch of the voluntary inter-EU relocation programme specifically designed to take refugees from the island.
Asked about this issue during the EU summit yesterday in Brussels, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said there have been countries that signalled their interest in taking part in the scheme but he did not name any.
"Member states now have until the end of November to state whether they will be participating in this project and we will have to await their response," Dr Gonzi said when pressed.
Following a Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting last September, EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot had expressed his disappointment that only six member states had decided to take part in the pilot project. In total, they pledged to relocate 100 refugees now stuck in Malta. Apart from France, no other "big" member state has so far made pledges to Malta. Sweden, which normally leads such initiatives in order to stimulate other member states to follow, has been conspicuous by its absence. Despite the negative response shown in the project, Malta yesterday insisted on new declarations to be agreed by the European Council on migration and asylum.
According to draft conclusions seen by The Times, EU leaders will note "the launch of the pilot project for Malta and the concrete solidarity showed by a number of member states in the reallocation of beneficiaries of international protection".
At the same time, they will also "urge more member states to participate in the project, on a voluntary basis".
The strengthening of the EU's border control agency, Frontex, will also be tackled by the European leaders.
According to the draft conclusions, EU leaders will call for the enhancement of the operational capabilities of Frontex through "the preparation of clear common operational procedures containing clear rules of engagement for joint operations at sea" and the "examination of the possibility of regular chartering financed by Frontex of joint return flights".
EU leaders are also expected to call for the establishment by the end of this year of the European Asylum Support Office. Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria are bidding to host the agency.
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lgalea
Oct 31st 2009, 09:49
SOLIDARITY? IN THE EU IT'S SPELT SORRYDARITY.
Jesmond Micallef
Oct 31st 2009, 01:16
Joseph Calleja's comments are very valid and very logical !! I agree in full !!
As a sidekick, .............Maybe Europe needs yet another very savage war, so that it lacks manpower when it comes to re-construction and African guest workers will definitely come in very handy, then. They can then re-build under the direction of engineers and architects, educated by Europe's prestigious institutions of INTELLECT !!!!!
"The Equivalent of the EU in Africa should make the African continent compete with the EU and the rest of the world, and not continue to be a sub-ordinate" This is the only solution to this African tragedy, and not charity, or solidarity !!!!!!. Was there any solidarity or charity, as far as the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein is concerned, NO, Rock Solid Action was taken, not just by the US but also by most European countries !!!
These people should be proud of their lands, just like we Europeans are, right .......right.....!! Are there any proud Europeans reading my comment ??
What is the history of these African countries, make it Slavery, Aparthied,.............I do not need to mention more, NO, the historical facts speak for themselves. FULL STOP !!!
Joe Cassar
Oct 30th 2009, 16:47
"The strengthening of the EU's border control agency, Frontex, will also be tackled by the European leaders." How can you strenghten something that is dead? Or perhaps was never alive?
Victor Laiviera
Oct 30th 2009, 15:12
How unfortunate for our PM that this news item appeared on the same day as the one that related how the Czech Republic got what they wanted from the EU by standing firm. (http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091030/local/eu-gives-in-to-czech-presidents-demands-to-finalise-lisbon-treaty)
Being "Mr Nice Guy" does not work in international politics. You need spine and a couple of other "things".
louise vella
Oct 30th 2009, 14:43
"Asked about this issue during the EU summit yesterday in Brussels, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said there have been countries that signalled their interest in taking part in the scheme but he did not name any."
Did Dr Gonzi preach to them his usual sermon about Christian values? If he does, maybe they will pledge to take all our illegal immigrants.
Joseph Calleja
Oct 30th 2009, 12:49
If the EU or any other country want to help, they have to come up with a way to stop the illegal immigration invasion and give the ones that are already here the incentive to want to go back to where they came from. In the mean time The EU and the other countries have to invest the money in Africa and educate and help these people at their place of origin. Africa is very rich in resources and is capable of sustaining it's own people. The only thing missing is capable leadership and the lack of education. Give these people a reason to stay home and be able to provide for their families. The money that is being spent on these illegals in Europe can be spent in Africa and that way Europe can help it's citizens cope. Wherever these people go they are creating havoc and turmoil to everyone, not just in Malta but all over Europe.
Charles Sammut
Oct 30th 2009, 12:12
How come the do-gooder NGOs have not managed to convince other European countries that these immigrants are a valuable human resource which will strengthen European society by their rich diversity.
We have been repeatedly told that these immigrants are all professionals, doctors, teachers, engineers, accountants and that we have a golden opportunity to harness their expertise. I find it very baffling that they are not snapped up by the rest of the EU countries.
Unless someone has been misguiding us, to put it euphemistically.
Galea. L
Oct 30th 2009, 12:06
Gonzi, min jistenna jitherra.
Joanne Micallef
Oct 30th 2009, 10:24
"Member states now have until the end of November to state whether they will be participating in this project and we will have to await their response," Dr Gonzi said when pressed.
Dont hold your breath Mr Prime Minister, everyone takes care of their own.....except us it seems.