President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso called yesterday for a common EU migration policy for all member states that will also focus on the relocation of migrants who are given refugee status.

Speaking during a press conference held with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Barroso said that it is useless having 27 different migration policies because these will limit the migrants’ mobility between member states.

Earlier during the press conference, Dr Gonzi pointed out that integration of those who have refugee status is one of the main issues that need to be resolved.

“Malta has always gone out its way to save people, even though we have very limited resources. However, the main question is who will integrate the people who have refugee status – and this issue needs to be addressed,” he said.

Mr Barroso agreed and said that even though he was in favour of a common migration policy in the EU, and is proposing it, “we need the full support of the EU but there are some member states, including the UK, that are clearly opposing it.”

He stated that he will speak about the issue with African countries, especially Libya, during the forthcoming EU-Africa summit.

“Migration is a very complex issue for the EU and it is also a relatively new one,” he added.

Mr Barroso stressed the importance of inter-government cooperation and support – especially for countries, like Malta, who are in trouble.

“When the Canary Islands had the problem of migration in 2005, I immediately sent a letter to all heads of state requesting more cooperation between them,” he said.

The problem is bigger than the resources available. It is not the rescue that is the problem, but what can be done with the migrants that arrive, he said.

Even though the EU has several times expressed its commitment to helping Malta, this needs to be translated into more positive action, added Dr Gonzi.

He pointed out that, regarding the EU constitution, Malta was one of the first countries that had approved it when it was submitted.

“We had agreed immediately with the substance of this constitution and we are prepared to contribute to the maximum to make it work,” he said.

Dr Gonzi said he was satisfied with the enormous economic progress Malta had achieved during the past three years resulting in the country joining the euro zone next year.

During his introductory remarks, Mr Barroso said he was delighted to be back in Malta and to meet Dr Gonzi again.

“I also am very happy that I can formally recommend Malta to join the euro zone before the next EU council,” said Mr Barroso.

“Malta’s achievement during the last three years, in an effort to join the euro zone, has been remarkable and I pay tribute to all those who made it possible for it to do so,” he added.

Mr Barroso pointed out that the euro zone is not a closed club for certain member states but is open to all those who manage to fulfil the criteria.

“The euro will increase the safety and security of Malta’s financial situation,” he said.

Mr Barroso then spoke about the EU constitution.

“I strongly believe that we really need the EU treaty

settlement and I want to send a clear message to all heads of state of its importance,” he said.

He expressed his pleasure and satisfaction at Malta’s agreement to the constitution and appealed to “the spirit of compromise” of other member states.

“We need an EU that is coherent and that can take efficient decisions and we count on Malta to show the rest of Europe that we want to build the EU of the 21st century,” said Mr Barroso.

“Although I strongly believe that there is no difference between new and old member states, there were many who were not happy with the last enlargement but I believe it was one of our greatest achievements,” he said.