No room for EU complacency in managing migration challenges – Minister Carmelo Abela

The Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Carmelo Abela, highlighted the need for the European Union to keep up the momentum in managing migration towards Europe in a holistic manner.

Speaking at a meeting of EU home ministers in Brussels yesterday, Minister Abela welcomed the progress which has been reached in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement of March 2016, noting that it has led to a tapering of pressure in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans. Malta has shown full solidarity with EU Member States facing pressures due to the Eastern Mediterranean migration route by supporting the implementation of the agreement, both logistically through the deployment of personnel to Greece, as well as through the continued relocation of asylum seekers.

At the same time, Minister Abela, together with other colleagues, noted the parallel resumption of migration activity in the central Mediterranean which must be addressed by the EU with the same urgency as that placed on the Eastern Mediterranean over the winter. Commenting following the meeting, the Minister reiterated that Malta has remained consistent in pushing for a sustainable and holistic EU migration system. This will be a primary focus of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2017, including through the prioritisation of the Common European Asylum System.

Ministers also discussed the visa policy of the EU, notably issues surrounding the granting of visa liberalisation to certain third countries. In this respect, Minister Abela stated that it is clear that all third countries need to meet the necessary requirements in order to be granted visa liberalisation. The Minister also welcomed the agreement reached on a suspension mechanism, through which visa liberalisation could be temporarily suspended in certain cases, such as when third countries do not continue to meet the necessary criteria and obligations.

Preceding the Council meeting, Minister Abela met with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Frederica Mogherini, on 19 May 2016. The two discussed preparations for Malta’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, notably the external dimension of managing migration, such as through the full implementation of the Action Plan of the Valletta Summit on Migration. During the meeting, Minister Abela also reiterated that Malta stands ready to provide training to the Libyan Coast Guard.