Parliamentrary Secretary Ian Borg emphasised need to engage with countries of origin and transit on migration at meeting in Brussels - Valletta Summit in November will provide a valuable opportunity to enhance collaboration with African countries and seek pragmatic solutions

Speaking at an EU Ministerial meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels, , Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and 2017 Presidency Ian Borg, called for concrete outcomes with regard to the challenge being faced by the EU as a result of the dramatic spike in refugee and migrants arrivals.

Parliamentary Secretary Borg made these comments as the meeting discussed preparations for the European Council Summit of EU Heads of State or Government, which will take place on 15-16 October 2015. He welcomed that fact that the Summit will hold a substantial discussion on all aspects of migration in light of the pivotal importance of the issue to the EU and the European public. Malta will be represented by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during the Summit. Parliamentary Secretary Borg highlighted that the challenge in dealing with the increased number of migrants “continues to become more serious for the EU”, adding that it is important for all Member States to act together”.

In particular, the Parliamentary Secretary emphasised the importance of working together with countries of origin and transit. In this respect, he stated that the Valletta Summit, which will take place in Malta in November, will provide the EU with an opportunity to enhance collaboration with African countries in order to seek the right solutions. Parliamentary Secretary Borg added that the EU also needs “to assist third countries with capacity building and migration management, and secure cooperation on readmission”.

The General Affairs Council meeting also discussed the Letter of Intent of the European Commission regarding its intended work programme for 2016. This is of particular relevance to Malta as it covers the first two Presidencies of the Council of the EU within the Trio that includes Malta (those of the Netherlands and of Slovakia). Parliamentary Secretary Borg welcomed the proposal, including the intention to focus on migration, supporting jobs and growth, and the deepening of the single market; adding that it marks an improvement over the past. However, he stated that more details were needed as the Letter of Intent remains a preliminary outline.

The meeting also discussed the work programme of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU, which lasts until the end of the year. The work programme focuses on the ongoing issues relating to migration, work to improve tax transparency and enhancing economic growth through the deepening of the Single Market. He welcomed the fact that there is a clear social dimension to the work programme. 

While in Brussels, Parliamentary Secretary Borg will also be holding meetings with counterparts from the Trio of Presidencies which includes Malta, as well as with Commissioner Avramopoulos, in charge of Home Affairs, Migration and Citizenship.