Migration goes beyond the concept of solidarity. It is an obligation of the EU and it has to be shared by all Member States.

This was the central message delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech at the General Affairs Council (GAC) today with regard to the drafting of the European Council Conclusions for the European Council which Heads of State will attend at the end of the week.

Malta supports the European Commission’s proposal on relocation and its position on return of irregular migrants.   Mr Grech argued that the European Council Conclusions should avoid ambiguity and provide for a clear comprehensive approach based on the Commission’s proposals.  While acknowledging that further discussions were required on the distribution key and the criteria on which it will be based, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that this should not be used as an excuse to delay the implementation of the proposals or even slide back into the voluntary arrangements that have not worked to date.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the comprehensive approach to migration should include an effective return policy.  Returns have to become visible on the ground – both in the Member States and in the countries of origin.  Mr Grech also called for using all the tools at the EU’s disposal to address the root causes in the countries of origin, particularly in  Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Mr Grech invited all Member States to use the forthcoming Valletta Conference to address these issues and come up with a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes and also targets the criminal human trafficking network.

Referring to the Five Presidents’ Report on better economic governance in the Euro Area published earlier this week, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the report is still being studied in the Capitals. By way of initial reactions he said that it is important that the specificities of individual Member States are taken into account.  He also mentioned that there are some concerns, particularly  areas that are clearly the competence of Member States.  He added that it would be counterproductive to assume that a new Treaty will provide an ultimate solution.