Following the statement by the European Commission on a new EU plan to address and tackle the root causes of migration from Africa, labour MEP Marlene Mizzi said: “For the past 3 years, for as long as I have been in the European Parliament, I have repeatedly called on the urgent need to address the root causes of migration and to concentrate our efforts on giving these people a future in their own country.  This is also one of recommendations I had made in the report on migration as the spokesperson of the S & D on the subject``.

The new proposals for a migration partnership agreement with third countries proposed by the Commission this week is about stimulating investment in the countries where migrants come from, in order to boost the growth of their economies  and create jobs  in their countries.

“As an MEP, my emphasis has always been to address effectively the root causes rather than keep firefighting the symptoms. We need to understand what this crisis is really about and the reasons which constrain people to leave behind their own homes and families and risk their lives crossing to Europe.

“Only by addressing the economic, social and other problems in these countries, we can actually save people’s lives from sure death in the Mediterranean and other hazards met during their journeys. We need to give them a future so that they do not have to leave. This will also help prevent long-term problems, which uncontrolled migration could create in Europe” said MEP Mizzi in the European Parliament.

“So, it is with a great satisfaction to hear today First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini finally focusing on giving a future to these people in their own countries and presenting new concrete and financially-sustainable proposals intended to help African countries through investment and considerable financial aid.”

“However we have to ensure accountability, transparency and proper management of such funds and investments so that the proposed billions truly benefit the citizens of these countries and do not, instead, end up in the pockets of the few. Throwing money at them without due vigilance and commitment from the part of African governments, will not solve the problem , but rather perpetuate uncontrolled migration flows from Africa,” said MEP Mizzi.