Solidarity is necessary

Since taking over responsibility for addressing irregular migration issues, I have experienced first-hand several significant changes in the EU’s policies in this field. These are clearly reflected in a number of EU measures that were launched and implemented over the last four years.

Solidarity remains meaningless unless it is practised and made manifest- Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici

The highlight of these legal instruments was, undoubtedly, the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, to which EU leaders signed up in October 2008 under the then French presidency.

The key element of the pact was the solidarity clause, which provided for the resettlement of refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection from one EU member state to another. This was truly the first major solidarity mechanism of its kind. A number of senior EU officials and ministers challenged and opposed this positive outlook toward the proposed solidarity measures during the course of our meetings.

The endorsement of such policies of mutual support among EU member states and the practice of extending assistance to a member state facing significant difficulties was by no means a foregone conclusion. However, through constant hard work, unwavering determination and vision, the goal was finally achieved.

Despite criticism of the pact from some members of the local community, facts show that we have moved forward since its implementation. Even at that time, a pilot project was launched whereby beneficiaries of international protection were relocated to start a new life in another country.

The pact also provided for the setting up of the European Asylum Support Office, a key instrument in the development of a Common European Asylum System.

Maltese government represen­tatives immediately embarked on a lobbying campaign in the EU, aimed at hosting this prestigious office in Malta. Our collective efforts and dedication paid dividends when, on November 30, 2009, following a unanimous decision taken by the EU’s Council of Ministers, it was formally announced that Malta would in fact be hosting the office.

Today, that step has benefited the EU and, to a greater extent, our country. Aside from the economic and social benefits generated by a number of foreign specialists who are employed at the EASO, Malta’s exposure and status have been significantly enhanced.

We note with satisfaction that the EASO is moving on the right track toward solving complex problems.

The pilot project was extended last year as a result of the crisis that was unfolding in Libya. It provided a solid ground for the relocation of more beneficiaries of international protection, not only to EU member states but also to some other countries outside the EU, namely Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Unfortunately, not all states concur with this concept and some countries maintain that it is serving a wrong purpose. However, the majority share a different view.

Precisely along these lines, a new agreement was reached at the last meeting of the Home Affairs Ministers’ Council on March 8.

The Danish presidency adopted conclusions on a common framework for genuine and practical solidarity towards member states facing particular pressures on their asylum systems, including through mixed migration flows. This landmark declaration clearly calls for the need to develop action plans that will further enhance solidarity in this difficult and complex sector.

These considerations establish principles that are now also enshrined in a policy document which, we firmly believe, represents a responsible step forward in setting out a common irregular migration policy. The conclusions aim to address, among other things, solidarity in emergency situations, solidarity through preventive cooperation, financial solidarity, solidarity through relocation, solidarity through the repatriation of persons who do not enjoy international protection and solidarity through strengthened cooperation with key countries of transit, origin and first countries of asylum.

Frontex and the EASO are set to play a key role in implementing these policies effectively. Apart from benefiting our country directly, the policies respond to the tireless efforts we have been constantly making in this sector over the past years.

Solidarity remains meaningless unless it is practised and made manifest. Through the measures contemplated in this policy document we have embarked on an ambitious programme that should help mitigate the challenges we are facing in the field of irregular migration.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici is Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs.