Over the years, Malta and Italy sought to have the European Union recognise that the migration issues they confront is a European one that should be addressed at a European level. It is tragic that thousands perished in the Mediterranean before Europe heard our call; however Brussels is now recognising the validity and relevance of this argument.
The migration phenomenon facing the Mediterranean today is both “unprecedented” and “exceptional”, to quote the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Federica Mogherini. This makes Italy and Malta’s contention all the more relevant.
The European Agenda on Migration, recently proposed by the European Commission, provides for the establishment of a mechanism to ensure the implementation of the solidarity and responsibility sharing principle between member states, which is a step in the right direction.
While the technicalities of such a mechanism are still subject to elaboration and review, it is regrettable that in certain quarters there seems to be an objection to the principle, as opposed to the technicalities of implementation.
In the past few months the government worked hard to change the political attitude towards migration and asylum issues to secure recognition of the fact that in a context where the EU has a Common European Asylum System and a Common External Border, these are European, as opposed to purely national issues.
The European Commission and some member states now seem to be aligned with Malta’s views on this matter; however the issue remains a contentious one.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who shares Malta’s concerns on migration and asylum issues, emphasised that EU member states should accept a quota system for the distribution of beneficiaries of international protection within the EU. It is obvious that the current EU legal framework, which assigns responsibility for asylum seekers to the member state of first entry, even where this member state is subject to disproportionate pressures, is no longer sustainable.
In the EU we should agree that lives should be saved and that people requiring international protection should be offered protection; however, at least in my view, we still need to do more to address the root causes of irregular migration, as well as to dismantle criminal organisations.
Lives are precious and the security of nations is vital too
While the EU is now willing to exercise a role in this regard, the success of such operations requires the cooperation and partnership of all countries in the region, EU member states and non. I stressed this when I met my counterparts at the 5+5 meeting in Lisbon. At this conference, home affairs ministers discussed the prospects of further cooperation on matters of common interest, including the war on terror, organised crime and irregular migration.
On our part we have to show the world that we care, but we also have to convince fellow Europeans about the need to secure our external borders. When it comes to the issue of irregular migration, I stress the importance of tackling this not only from a humanitarian, but also from the security aspect. I have made this point at meetings held in recent days in Brussels.
We commend the EU for taking decisions related to breaking migrant smuggling networks; but the best results can only be obtained with political stability in Libya. This is a country of transit, so should be seen as part of the solution.
We, Europe and African countries, all need to work together to ensure the security of our countries but also to save the lives of innocent people.
There is a long way to go but all states need to build a stronger bond and work as one united front, otherwise criminal cartels will continue to exploit the situation. We need effective cooperation. It is in everyone’s interest to address this challenge. No one can justify letting criminal organisations enrich themselves as they lead vulnerable people to their deaths.
This is a credibility test for Europe, a real chance to show the world that the immigration issue can be tackled seriously and effectively.
Last week, foreign and defence ministers met in Brussels for discussions during which we established EUNVFOR MED – a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission targeting the disruption of human smuggling networks in the Mediterranean. This follows the agreement reached last month by European leaders to mobilise all efforts at their disposal to prevent further loss of life at sea and to tackle the root causes of migration, in cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
On behalf of the Maltese government I stressed the need to cooperate with the EU’s ‘neighbours of the neighbours’ in order to address all the key issues. The joint meeting also focused on the EU’s role as a security provider in preparation for the European Council in June. It is necessary for the EU to adapt its security outlook in view of the ever-changing international scenario.
In this context, it is important that the CSDP mission is able to react promptly and efficiently so that the EU protects its own citizens, its interests and values as well as to ensure security in the immediate neighbourhood. Much talk has happened over the years, and it was not easy for our country to reach this point. We must continue to stress upon the need for continuous support. Comprehensive solutions are not easy to achieve, but we must strive for them.
Protecting and saving lives, safeguarding the human rights of migrants and law enforcement against smugglers should be topmost priorities. At the same time I consider that the European Union needs to invest in countries of origin, as people should have opportunities for a better future in their home countries.
I express my appreciation for the effort and dedication of Mogherini and European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos to attain such a comprehensive approach.
This is just the start of a long journey and it is imperative that Europe will not stand by watching lives being lost. We have to show the world that we care about all its people. Lives are precious and the security of nations is vital too.
Carmelo Abela is Minister for Home Affairs and National Security.