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The Ministers of Cyprus, Mr.
Nouris; Greece, Mr. Mitarachi; Italy, Ms. Lamorgese; Malta, Mr. Camilleri;
and Spain, Mr. Grande-Marlaska, on the occasion of their second Ministerial
meeting in Málaga on 24-25 September, have concluded the following elements
in relation to the internal and external dimensions of the European migration
policy, in particular in the fight against irregular migration and human
trafficking networks, as part of a holistic approach for an effective asylum
and migration management:
- The MED5 countries, as Member
States of the most exposed external border of the European Union, firmly
believe that the work of the EU and its Member States in the fight against
irregular migration must have prevention at source as a fundamental and
priority axis, in order to stem flows upstream. The EU cannot afford to wait
until migration flows reach the external borders. The EU needs to remain
engaged in supporting host communities in their regions, addressing
humanitarian crisis at their sources and enhancing the relevant capacities of
countries of origin and transit, as well as creating the necessary hosting
structures in and around those regions, as in the current volatile situation
of Afghanistan.
- For the prevention of
irregular migration to be effective, and given its structural nature, the
Union's migration policy must be adequately funded, addressing in a
proportionate manner all migratory routes to the EU, so that projects can be
developed to strengthen the operational and institutional capacities both of
the Member States and of the countries of origin and transit in the fight
against irregular migration and trafficking in human beings. Member States
should be able to rely on the support of the Commission and EU agencies, when
requested, including through the provision of equipment.
EU processes should adjust in
order to better cope with migratory issues, which are time sensitive in
nature. The MED5 countries deem it necessary to establish as soon as possible
a precise, prioritized and well defined roadmap of the EU Action plans on our
key partners along each route, paying particular attention to those of them
going through difficult political and social situations.
-In this sense, the
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument –NDICI-
which should be the main financial instrument in our efforts to address
irregular migration at its roots, must become operational as a matter of
priority.
- A mismatch of more than a
year between the NDICI and the Trust Fund has weakened the Union's capacity
to work with its partners, countries of origin and transit, at a time of
intense irregular migratory movements, motivated by the social and economic
consequences of the pandemic, which have added to the pre-existing causes of
irregular migration. Furthermore, our level of commitment cannot be lower
than that of the past financial Framework, even more so if our ambitions and
expectations have increased.
- EU prevention action
needs to be improved, as evidenced by the increased number of irregular
arrivals to the Union through the borders of the MED5 countries, especially
by sea. These arrivals, whether they are eligible for international
protection or not, generate increasing secondary movements, overloading of
asylum, reception and return systems and, above all, dramatic loss of human
lives. We remain committed to the need to effectively control external
borders, in line with our international obligations. We reiterate the need
for a common European involvement in returns and an active role of EU
agencies’ in the external dimension.
- The MED5 countries stress
that SAR-related disembarkation does not imply a deficient control of
external borders, but rather the fulfilment of international obligations.
They should be considered as a true EU responsibility, envisaging specific
rules for disembarked persons, other than the ones for illegal border
crossings, in the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. These rules should
start by adapting EURODAC to the singularities of rescue at sea.
The MED 5 countries recall the
need, among other forms to develop the principle of fair share of
responsibility and solidarity, for a predictable and mandatory relocation
mechanism for those Member States that are faced with SAR-related
disembarkation or other forms of disproportionate migratory pressure as a
result of their geographical position.
- The realities faced by the
States that are at the external border of the Union share common elements
but, at the same time, present singularities. Recent border events at the
frontiers with Belarus have reinforced the need for a common European policy,
flexible enough to adapt border procedures, both on land and at sea, to the
needs and particularities of each Member State under pressure and to the very
dynamic nature of irregular migratory flows. Hence, our repeated calls that
border procedures remain optional in nature. At the same time, those events
have underlined the importance of relying on effective solidarity in response
to the needs of the Member State concerned. The MED5 countries also
emphasized that responsibility must be shared fairly, avoiding imposing an
additional burden on Member States that already suffer excessive migratory
pressure, while taking on the task of protecting the EU external borders.
-The EU ought to stand united
and speak with one voice against the use of irregular migration for political
purposes.
- The MED5 countries,
traditionally affected by migratory pressure, show their solidarity and
support to other Member States such as Lithuania, Poland and Latvia.
-The MED5 Ministers recall the
related references contained in the Statement by the EU Ministers of Home
Affairs in the meeting on 31 August, on the situation in Afghanistan.
- The Ministers of the five
Mediterranean countries reaffirmed their willingness to continue to jointly defend
their shared vision of migration and asylum policy, especially in the
negotiations of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, where it is
essential to ensure the coherence and practical feasibility of all policy
proposals.
- In this perspective, the MED5
countries look forward to the EU Home Affairs meeting on 8 October, also with
regard to a timely assessment -in view of the European Council on 21-22
October- of the implementation of the European Council Conclusions of 24-25
June.
(ΕΦυς)
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