Irregular migration is an issue which is often talked about.

The perilous journey people take to reach Europe when crossing the Mediterranean, risking their lives in the hopes of reaching a safe haven, or in the hopes of building a better future for themselves is something that many have undertaken. Many have also died trying to make the trip.

Pope Francis earlier this year had expressed his concerns for the welfare of migrants trying to reach Europe, saying the seas of the Mediterranean and the deserts of North Africa became ‘cemeteries’.

Too often have we heard of tragedies.

Tackling this requires a strong plan and unity among states.

Speaking to the press earlier this week in a briefing ahead of the State of the Union, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that the only solution she sees to prevent people from making the perilous journey, would be for asylum applications to be processed outside EU territory “in order for us not to end up in a situation where the most vulnerable people on the planet face an almost certain death in our sea." This is one way in which those fleeing conflict and persecution could reach Europe safely and is an idea which EU states should work more on.

If asylum seekers can reach Europe safely, then there would be no need for those who receive asylum or protection to risk their lives at sea. Of course this would require agreement from member states and the modification or creation of new systems.

Irregular migration is an issue which requires full solidarity between member states.

Another issue that needs to be tackled is irregular economic migration. While we all talk about the importance of a strong returns policy for those who are not eligible for asylum and protection, we should not blame them for trying to make a better life for themselves. It is true that Europe needs to have a strong returns policy in order to combat human trafficking and ensure people arrive in Europe legally, but that in itself does not mean that we should sit by and let people drown at sea. That is unacceptable. Europe, and that includes Malta, needs to do more to ensure the safety of people crossing the Mediterranean.

There is instability in a number of countries. That is a fact. People will try and search for better places to live. Europe needs to work with African nations to help them improve conditions for their citizens. This cannot be done by direct intervention, that would be a mistake. It needs to be done by offering more support to the nations and people themselves, and being their partners.

Another point is that the border Mediterranean EU states cannot be left alone to handle migration. This is not solidarity. Europe must come together. There is the New Pact on Migration and Asylum being worked on, although the Maltese government has been sceptical of this, having even abstained from voting in favour of it. In a statement in June Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that while the Pact contains some positive aspects, “Malta is not convinced that the solution that was presented will translate into a fair and effective system that can withstand the current and even future challenges for our country. Accordingly, Malta chose to abstain.”

European Commission President Ursula Von de Leyen is more hopeful of the pact. In her State of the Union address, she said: "I have always had a steadfast conviction that migration needs to be managed. It needs endurance and patient work with key partners. And it needs unity within our Union. This is the spirit of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. When I took office, there seemed to be no possible compromise in sight. But with the Pact, we are striking a new balance. Between protecting borders and protecting people. Between sovereignty and solidarity. Between security and humanity. We listened to all Member States and focused on all migratory routes. And we have translated the spirit of the Pact into practical solutions.”

Then there are human smugglers. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen addressed this in her State of the Union speech. Migration requires constant work, she said. "And nowhere is that more vital than in the fight against human smugglers. They attract desperate people with their lies. And put them on deadly routes across the desert, or on boats that are unfit for the sea. The way these smugglers operate is continuously evolving. But our legislation is over twenty years old and needs an urgent update. So we need new legislation and a new governance structure. We need stronger law enforcement, prosecution and a more prominent role for our agencies - Europol, Eurojust and Frontex. And we need to work with our partners to tackle this global plague of human trafficking.” It is clear that the EU has work to do on this.