Negotiations on a new European Union law to govern its external borders has been entrusted to MEP Roberta Metsola - who will take up her role as the official European Parliament rapporteur.

The Metsola Report is expected to revolutionise the way Europe’s borders are protected, help prevent cross-border crime, strengthen the system for the safe return of irregular migrants who are not eligible for protection in Europe, and boost the European Border and Coast Guard.

Dr Metsola, who was elected as the European People’s Party (EPP) Group coordinator on these issues, outlined her priorities for the law saying: “One of the main things we want to introduce is for the EU to have a standing force of 10,000 new border and coast guards by 2020. This will mean that for the first-time we are fully able to respond, immediately, should we see new migration crises on our borders - but more than that - this law will give the EU the tools we need to ensure that we are able to prevent, not only respond to, migration pressures. It is not only about migration but also about preventing cross-border crime and protecting the security of the Union.”

“When we see a build up at borders in third countries, outside the EU, we want to be able to have the opportunity to help countries cope with migration pressures. We have the equipment and the funds to help nations return those people who are not eligible for protection. We want to be able to send our asylum experts and our planes to North Africa other third countries if they request the EU’s assistance in returning irregular migrants - so far the EU has been legally unable to do so."

Dr Metsola will be meeting stakeholders in Malta and across the EU to get their input into the new law.