The manner in which Maltese politicians engage the various EU Councils in their efforts to draw attention and assert a semblance of existence for Malta within the EU, lacks diplomatic finesse and tact, and the issue in question sometimes raises alarm bells as to the wisdom behind certain proposals that are made.

A case in point is the latest proposal by the Justice and Home Affairs Minister for Malta to host the EU's Asylum Agency, (Malta Offers To Host EU Asylum Agency, February 27). To quote the minister "...hosting it (the Agency) will also give more visibility to our migration problems among the other EU member states. It will also provide more immediate help. More "immediate help" as in burden-sharing, perhaps? This is sheer lunacy! How much more visibility of Malta's illegal immigration problems can possibly be provided by hosting such an agency? Delegation upon delegation of EU (and other) entities have come, seen, commented/made promises, and moved on. More than likely it will exacerbate a situation that has already brought Malta to its knees! Illegal immigrants will descend on Malta like homing pigeons by whatever means they can get here. Is it any wonder that Italy has backed Malta's hosting application? Better us (Malta), than them (Italy)!

Ideally, for such an agency as the EU Asylum Agency to function effectively and fulfil its mission, it should be able to screen any individuals who apply, and weed out those who do not qualify. It should be located at the point from whence illegal immigrants embark. In this manner, those granted asylum can proceed unhindered, while all others can be summarily turned back, or arrested and repatriated if they persist.