At least two countries are objecting to the European Commission’s plan to push for a binding quota for the distribution of asylum seekers among all member states.
Slovakia and Estonia are among the member states publicly objecting, with Slovakia refusing the quota system and Estonia saying it preferred “voluntary relocation and resettlement for refugees”.
The introduction of a quota system would require unanimous agreement from the 28 EU nations.
The Commission is aiming to propose the plan on Wednesday as part of its new policy on migration, which will attempt to cope with thousands of migrants fleeing conflict for better lives in Europe.
The status quo is unsustainable and unacceptable, MEP Roberta Metsola, who is leading the MEPs’ long-term response to migration, told Times of Malta.
She hopes the Commission has the courage to finally push for a fair distribution system for asylum seekers among member states.
“The EU must send a strong message that it is ready to act beyond rhetoric and statements of condolence. At the very least, the Commission should immediately activate its Temporary Protection Directive for persons originating from those countries where conflict forces people to flee. This will allow for a distribution system and a fairer sharing of responsibility, at least in the short term.”
A solidarity mechanism will not solve the problem overnight. It is one step but it will be a good step forward
The message from Brussels, she added, must be that this is a European issue and must have a European response.
Every State is as responsible as Malta, Italy or Greece.
“A solidarity mechanism will not solve the problem overnight. It is one step but it will be a good step forward.”
The European Parliament was very clear, she added. MEPs passed a strong cross-party resolution last month calling for a binding solidarity mechanism that allows for the fair distribution of asylum seekers or a quota for every member state.
“I am leading the report on migration together with the Socialists in an effort to also work on a holistic approach which will go beyond an emergency response and look at every aspect of the issue,” Dr Metsola said.
“Once the Commission issues its communication next week, the ball will once again be back in the leaders’ court. Every EU member State has the moral and political obligation to act now and we expect them to,” she said.
Immigration policy and migrants’ admissions are entirely in the hands of national governments, with minimal powers enjoyed by Brussels.
The scheme is expected to be supported by those countries on the frontline of the Mediterranean disasters – Italy, Greece, and Malta – and by Germany, Sweden and Austria: in short, by those countries taking in most refugees in Europe.
Countries resisting the move include Britain, the Eastern European member states and Denmark, home to the EU’s most rigorous immigration regime.
EU leaders have offered short-term use of ships, planes and other assets to help stem the tide as well as extra funding for the EU border effort.
But away from the media spotlight, weak economies, public opposition to migration and election campaigns mean that real solidarity remains elusive.