Participating in a debate on migration this morning, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Carmelo Abela, stated that whereas migration is often discussed emotionally, it should be approached in a rational manner.
"Discussion on migration should be based on facts not emotions. Europe must stop moving from crisis to crisis and proceed from discussion to implementation of actions," Minister Abela said.
He recalled that Malta spent years trying to convince EU counterparts to take ownership of the issue. He recounted that the idea of having a Council discussion focused solely on migration was unheard of until a few months ago, when it was a struggle to even push this topic high on European Agenda. In itself this is a positive development; however it remains essential to find long-term solutions.
"There are no easy solutions. The challenge is endless and the numbers are growing. We must not allow a divide to occur between the East and West of the EU because only as a team will we stand, divided we will be weak. Countries should still remember the hard lesson learnt during the financial crisis, especially in a situation where we are dealing with humans not finances," Mr Abela said.
Referring to the EU naval operation - EUNAVFOR MED, aimed at disrupting human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean, Minister Abela said that it would pass from phase one to the beginning of phase 2. "What was agreed needs to be implemented", said the Minister.
"The time has come for Europe to take leadership on a global level" concluded Mr Abela while referring to the upcoming Valletta Summit in November. The summit is assuming increasing importance in that it provides an opportunity for EU leaders to engage with African counterparts on migration issues. This summit will discuss long-term sustainable issues including the root causes of migration, return and readmission.
Asked about the issue of hotspots the Minister remarked that all of our borders are Europe's borders and that the setting up of hotspots by the end of November is a step in the right direction. This would enhance and expedite the process whereby new arrivals are registered.
Held at Europe House in Valletta, the debate entitled 'The Migration Crisis now has a face and a name Aylan Kurdi: Where Does Europe Go From Here?' was organised by Leading Talks in collaboration with Migrant Report under the banner of Debating Europe, and saw the participation of Maltese members of the European Parliament.