I refer to the article EU Move On Migrant Relocation Slammed (June 4). The European Commission is fully aware of the particular pressures facing Malta and that Malta has the highest numbers of asylum applicants per head of population within the EU.

The only change to our earlier policy is that, rather than putting in place a legislative measure for a permanent voluntary relocation scheme, we will instead set up an annual relocation forum for EU member states to discuss relocation needs and capacities.

The European Commission intends, as part of the Asylum and Migration Fund to start next year, to provide a €6,000 lump sum to governments that relocate beneficiaries of international protection as an incentive.

Because relocation will remain a voluntary activity, there is no absolute requirement for a legislative scheme.

Far from turning its back on Malta and on the policy of relocation, the European Commission is instead fully committed to this policy.

Brussels has chosen a realistic way of ensuring that relocation from Malta can continue while avoiding putting forward a legislative proposal that would almost certainly never be voted for by the Council.

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