Embracing “legal migration” by adopting an EU common asylum policy is the long-term solution to Malta’s migration challenges, according to EU Commissioner Dimitris Avaramopoulos.
“This will be an institutional legal guarantee of solidarity in practice,” he said.
Mr Avaramopoulos was addressing the media at the end of a whirlwind visit to Malta where he outlined his plans as the EU chief responsible for home affairs, migration and citizenship.
Earlier this month, Brussels announced plans for a new migration agenda, which is expected to be unveiled in May. Its aim is to strengthen the asylum system, secure borders and act more vigorously against irregular migration.
The EU Commissioner said establishing common asylum rules across all member states was crucial to addressing irregular migration through a holistic approach.
He described the talks he held with the Maltese government on migration and security as “very fruitful”.
Flanked by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela during a joint news conference at the airport’s VIP lounge, he acknowledged that in the past the EU’s level of support towards Malta had fallen short of expectations.
However, things were bound to change, he said, while promising that Malta would not be left “alone” to face such a burden.
“Europe is standing by Malta to face and address this issue in a more efficient way,” he said.
Europe is standing by Malta to face and address this issue in a more efficient way
Mr Avaramopoulos also held talks with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at Castille. He warned Europe could not afford to let Libya collapse into chaos between two rival governments, as it would aggravate migration and pose further security risks to the Mediterranean.
Dr Muscat reiterated his support for the commitment made in the last European Council for a diplomatic solution, under the auspices of the UN.
Earlier, Mr Avaramopoulos paid a short visit to the European Asylum Support Office headquarters in Marsa where he stressed that solidarity with Malta could no longer remain a “slogan” but translate into “action”.
Easo executive director Robert Wisser announced the successful completion of a pilot study aimed at extracting anonymous data from the information provided by asylum seekers entering Europe via Malta and Italy.
Though the findings are still to be published, it emerged that in some cases the point of departure of these illegal voyages originated as far as Bangladesh or South Africa, with migrants forced to pay between €1,500 and €6,000 each.
During his stay, the Commissioner visited the Armed Forces Maritime Squadron at Hay Wharf in Floriana. He was briefed on the challenges posed by irregular migration and the security situation in the region.