Lack of compromise from strong minority in EU council halting progress – PM
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has observed the lack of compromise from a “geographically strong minority” within the EU Council when finding solutions to the complex problem of irregular migration.
“There is a June deadline to find an alternative to the anachronistic Dublin system; due to the lack of compromise from a geographically strong minority that does not agree with the amendments proposed we may now need to look at passing it with a qualified majority,” he said.
“Malta, as does the Council majority, believes in compromise, but for a minority of two or three countries, compromise is going down the path they choose.”
Speaking in Parliament following last week’s Leaders’ Summit in Brussels, in which an informal discussion on migration took place, Muscat said that the summit on migration which took place in Malta last year was already bearing fruit, pointing towards the 70% reduction of Mediterranean boat crossings as evidence that the human corridors established by the EU, which set up outposts in pressure zones to manage asylum seekers, were functioning.
Leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia stressed the importance of employing both a numerical and a human perspective when tackling the issue.
“There are countries whose economic growth depends on the influx of foreign workers; yet at the same time there are countries, particularly in Central Europe, that simply do not want to accept them,” he said.
“However, we need to understand that people are doing it cause they are desperate; whether it’s because of war, famine, or poverty. The EU is obliged to help, and look towards creating more stability and investment in the countries which see the largest outflows of migration.”
Brexit
Brexit was also on the agenda during the summit following last week’s passing of the first EP resolution concerning the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, with the next round of negotiations due to begin.
Muscat said that bilateral meetings took place with his British counterpart, Theresa May, were options to strengthen the relationship between the nations established within commonwealth agreements were discussed.
He said that there have also been discussions to provide the UK with partial access to the EU through certain member states after Brexit and that the government had suggested that Malta be one of these locations.
PESCO
The PM said that the country will decide on Malta’s participation in the PESCO treaty at a later stage, on the basis of the experience gained during its implementation, pointing towards potential conflicts with country’s constitutional neutrality as a cause for caution.
Delia said that the PN was also in agreement with the government’s approach.
PESCO is a treaty-based framework designed to expand defence cooperation between EU member states that are capable and willing to do so; it is also seen as a precursor to a fully-fledged EU army.
It will enable member states to jointly develop defence capabilities, invest in shared projects and enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their armed forces.
The project will be provided with a €5 billion defence fund, which will be used to purchase weapons, finance operations and fund research and development
He made it clear that Malta would not join a treaty that created a fullyfledged EU army but stressed that solidarity clauses within EU legislation means that sufficient protection will still be provided to Malta.
A total of 23 EU foreign and defence ministers, from countries including Germany, France, and Spain, signed the defence pact, which is designed to integrate their armed forces and marks a new era in European military cooperation.
The United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Portugal were the other four countries who did not sign.