Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said that the European Union ism giving more importance to the migration phenomenon than it was only seven months ago.

Speaking during an informal press conference, the Minister explained that during his first Council meeting under the Latvian Presidency, the agenda had focussed primarily on Eastern migration.

He said that Malta, with some other countries, kept fighting for Mediterranean migration to be placed higher on the agenda and now it is.

The minister said that the goal of 40,000 migrants to be relocated from Greece and Italy still stands. So far, EU countries have pledged to take around 32,000 - 24,000 will come from Italy and 16,000 from Greece. He stressed that the 7,000 that still need to be pledged will be decided by the end of the year.

He explained that this was a step forward, considering that the number was below 30,000 prior to the Council meeting. 

Malta came to the decision to take in 74 migrants based on a formula surrounding GDP and population. The number, through the formula, came to 40, however countries agreed to find an number in-between the number resulting from the formula, and the European Commission’s formula (292 migrants). The Minister said that it has not yet been decided when the first of the 74 will arrive in Malta, however they will be spread over a two year period.

The minister said that the European Commission’s formula was slightly unfair for Malta, as the country’s low unemployment rate affected the result.

Dr Abela explained that Malta can easily carry the burden of the 74 migrants, adding that when compared to influx in numbers which Malta witnessed a few years ago, the number would not be a problem. He added that he also had no problem with the number which had been suggested through the original European Commission formula.

As for resettlement of migrants from outside the EU, Malta has pledged to take in 14 migrants; however the Council has yet to decide where these will come from and who they will be. He explained that resettled migrants will come to Malta regularly, not through irregular means. This would also mean that they would avoid the perilous Mediterranean crossing. the EU countries pledged to resettle 22,504 migrants, more than the original set goal.

The minister mentioned the holistic approach the EU is taking, through relocation, resettlement and returns. The minister said that discussions with countries of origin will be an important cog in the wheel.

Turning to the EU naval operation in the Mediterranean, the minister personally feels that a UN resolution on the matter is still a long way off. He said that the EU countries did work well together on this, but large countries would also be looking out for themselves.

Asked about recent human rights accusations regarding the fingerprinting process around the EU, The Home Affairs Minister said that this wasn't discussed at the meeting, however mentioned that it is obligatory for migrants to be fingerprinted. He said that Frontex will be on the ground in Italy and Greece helping with the asylum process.