Roberta Metsola: The EU summit took a good step towards a better migration policy, but what we needed was a giant leap. We are still far away from where we need to be. I would have liked to see more ambitious conclusions that really tackle the issue in the immediate, medium and long term.
Commenting to @corporatedispatch, Metsola said “In particular I would have preferred to see stronger language on the urgent need for the total overhaul of the Dublin Regulation and on establishing disembarkation centres outside the EU.”
Solidarity between States is a pillar of the European Union – so I was surprised to see that the conclusions underline that responsibility sharing will only be on a voluntary basis. We need to move in the other direction.
But the summit was a step forward and one that will hopefully serve to underline the principle that countries like Malta, Italy and Greece should not be left alone to manage the situation. It is positive that we have an acknowledgment that this is an issue that must have a European response.
It is also encouraging to see that the EPP’s proposal for 10,000 Frontex officials has been taken on board.
As EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber said “Europe stands for humanity towards people in need, determination in the protection of external borders and in the fight against illegal migration, as well as for solidarity with one another “ These are all the elements of the challenge that we need to balance together.
