A European Commission plan to tackle migration's root causes was a positive step that would need to be accompanied by transparent management and accountability for it to work, MEP Marlene Mizzi has said. 

Ms Mizzi welcomed news of a proposal for a migration partnership agreement with third countries, saying it would "stimulate investment in the countries where migrants come from, in order to boost the growth of their economies and create jobs in their countries." 

"For as long as I have been in the European Parliament, I have repeatedly called on the urgent need to address the root causes of migration," Ms Mizzi said in a statement.

“Only by addressing the economic, social and other problems in these countries, can we actually save people’s lives from sure death."

She however warned that throwing money at the problem would not necessarily be a solution. 

"We have to ensure accountability, transparency and proper management of such funds and investments so that the proposed billions truly benefit the citizens of these countries and do not, instead, end up in the pockets of the few," the MEP said.