EU Summit Reaction – Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli

The final agreement reached in the early hours of Friday morning falls short of an agreement on asylum rules. Once again, the EU has failed to agree to real solutions. We see it in the statement of the 28 Member States where it was clearly stated that any policies and measures will be taken on board only on a “voluntary” basis.

Countries, like ours who are at the forefront of the issue, understand more than others the immediate need of solidarity. Moreover we understand that any policy needs to have more than just one layer.

We need to make sure that we have in place a proper return system for people who do not qualify for asylum. We need to make sure that there are legal channels for people who need protection. There needs to be proper measures in place for those countries who need skilled workers and be able to match the qualifications of people outside the EU to the skill needs of the EU countries. Relocation and resettlement need to be translated into action.

All these policies together can make a difference and start putting EU citizens’ mind at rest that this issue is being dealt with properly.