MEPs are calling on the European Commission to set a “binding quota” for the distribution of asylum seekers among EU countries, as they overwhelmingly voted in favour of a resolution agreed between five political groups in the European
Parliament.

The resolution, essentially a call for action, followed the outcome of the April 23 European Council meeting held to discuss the migration crisis in the Mediterranean.

The resolution adopted the actions committed by the Council but went further. It called for the provision of the “necessary resources” for search-and-rescue operations and more financial resources for Frontex, the EU border agency.

MEPs yesterday also called for an expansion in the area of responsibility for Triton, the EU’s search-and-rescue operation, as well as the “the strongest possible” criminal sanctions against people smugglers.

Read more on Times of Malta.

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