EU ‘can and should do more’

He did not bring with him the message Malta wanted to hear, but the EU Council President yesterday said the EU “can and should” do more to assist ­member states deal with migration.

Herman Van Rompuy’s declaration came in the same week that EU member states rejected Malta’s request for the activation of an emergency burden-sharing mechanism to help it deal with an influx of migrants fleeing Libya.

“Malta can be assured the EU will continue to show solidarity with other members states affected by large-scale migration, but I agree that we can and should do more,” Mr Rompuy said.

Reading from a prepared statement at a press conference with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi soon after the two met at Auberge de Castille, Mr Rompuy acknowledged that the challenge facing Malta was “especially significant” because of the country’s small size and population.

The press conference started some 45 minutes late and no questions were taken after both speakers made their statements.

Mr Rompuy said nothing about his gaffe last month when he identified Malta and Cyprus as countries still in the process of adopting the single currency.

The EU Council President was in Malta on a one-day visit after having been to Greece and Cyprus.

Mr Rompuy said a 2008 pilot project for the voluntary ­resettlement of migrants had delivered results and should be continued.

At a meeting of home affairs ministers on Monday, the ­member states agreed to extend the pilot project, although the number of migrants which ­different countries are ready to resettle remains unknown.

He also noted that the EU had earmarked €25 million from its external borders fund to help countries like Malta that suffered the biggest impact from the crisis in North Africa.

Mr Rompuy said he would cooperate closely with Malta in preparation for the discussion on asylum and migration in June’s EU Council meeting.

In scant reference to what was discussed behind closed doors, Dr Gonzi said he explained Malta’s particular situation and limitations.

He reiterated that Europe had to understand this situation and provide “human solutions” to the problem.

On the situation in Libya, Dr Gonzi said any solution had to see Libyan leader ­Muammar Gaddafi and his family moving out of the political sphere.

He insisted there should be a credible and genuine ceasefire, which included the withdrawal of troops to their barracks.

Referring to the continuous pounding of Misurata by forces loyal to Gaddafi, he said the massacre of civilians had to stop immediately.

After the Castille meeting, Mr Rompuy also paid a courtesy visit to President George Abela.