‘European solution’ necessary for illegal migration problem

Europe needs a “European solution” to the problem of illegal migration, which is causing friction between member states like Italy and Malta, according to European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani.

Without a common policy and a European solution, the problem would remain, Mr Tajani said, stopping short of commenting on the level of solidarity EU member states were showing with a small country like Malta.

“Solidarity is important. The European Commission is totally in favour of solidarity between EU member states and we stress it every day. We proposed mass governance for the Schengen zone. When we have a problem between two member states, the European Commission will mediate because it is impossible to have new problems between Malta and Italy, between Italy and France. Italy, Malta, France, Spain and Greece all have the same problem and this is why the problem needs a European solution,” he said.

With regard to Frontex, Mr Tajani said the EU border agency had to be reinforced with more funds and more resources. “There are 12 countries collaborating in Frontex at the moment and we need to increase that number, apart from beefing up budget and resources.”

He added that rather than seeking short-term solutions, Europe had to look long-term because “the problem is not today but the day after tomorrow”.

“Today, we have a lot of migrants but this number will increase unless the issue is solved.”

Asked about the recent spat between Malta and Italy over the rescue of migrants and whether this was just a different interpretation of international maritime rules, Mr Tajani said: “I know very well what the problems were between Italy and Malta but I am a European Commissioner. I am an Italian not an Italian minister.” Mr Tajani, who is Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, is in Malta to attend the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Meeting on Industrial Cooperation. He said the meeting would discuss the internationalisation of small and medium businesses as well as micro enterprises.

“It is important for North African young people to have African SMEs working in joint ventures with European SMEs and micro enterprises. If we want to fight illegal immigration, it is important to improve the economies, growth and jobs in North African countries,” Mr Tajani said.

Mr Tajani met Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi when they discussed the situation in North Africa and the phenomenon of illegal migration. “I underlined the European Commission’s position that illegal migration is not only Malta’s problem or Italy’s problem but Europe’s problem. All commissioners are working in favour of the south of Europe,” he said.