Member States need to put their money where their mouth is and put up the funds to help build capacity in third countries where people have no future, said Nationalist Party MEP Roberta Metsola.

Speaking during a debate at the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, Dr Metsola said that the EU and Member States “need to encourage investment into developing countries and establish a so-called Marshall Plan – that will give people a chance at a future there without fear, as well as stem migration to Europe”.

Dr Metsola, who is the EP rapporteur on a holistic approach to migration, said: “All too often, our focus is on emergency measures and fire-fighting situations, but it is clear we need to do more to prevent these situations from occurring in the first place”.

Underlining Europe’s place in world geopolitics, Dr Metsola stressed migration was a global phenomenon that required measured, compassionate and effective European leadership.

Europe needs thinking that goes beyond tomorrow’s headlines and instead focuses on tomorrow’s generation.

“Too often, States have been found wanting,” she said.

Europe needs to renew its relationship with key States in Africa. “We can and we should help States build up their law enforcement, judicial and – crucially – asylum systems so that people in need of protection can also find safe haven in States outside of Europe, closer to their countries of origin. But these States must also accept the return of their nationals who are not eligible for protection in Europe,” Dr Metsola said.