Events

Study Days of the EPP-ED Group

Malta - 4-6 July 2007


Summary of Theme IV: Immigration


Simon Busuttil MEP, Head of the Maltese Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
On Friday 6 July, the EPP-ED Study Days in Malta concentrated on Immigration. Simon Busuttil MEP introduced the topic by underlining the importance of the theme for the whole EU and added how the participants of the Study Days saw how the Maltese live this reality in a very tough manner.

In his address, Mr Busuttil, stated: "The first aspect we need to keep in mind when discussing immigration policy is the human aspect of it; especially the thousands of lives lost at sea. But faced with human tragedy, we cannot forget the other aspect, notably that of the ability of the Member States to cope with the influx of illegal immigrants. Most immigrants hoping to come to Malta do not even arrive safely on Maltese shores but are picked up at sea by our navy. They cannot be sent back to their homelands due to the lack of travel documents or other reasons, and Malta has no hinterland which can accommodate such a large number of people. European citizens, especially the Maltese, need tangible answers from us on how to solve these problems."

Franco Frattini, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Freedom, Security and Justice
The keynote speaker, Franco Frattini, thanked the Maltese hosts for the excellent organisation and the chosen topic. He agreed with Simon Busuttil MEP in saying that protection of human life and human dignity was one of the basic values of the EPP-ED Group and the European Union. Therefore, migration should be seen as a global and European issue.

"We need a common European policy on migration. It is no longer possible to act at Member State level only. The EU common policy was endorsed in December 2006 by the European Council, and now we have to implement it. The comprehensive European strategy should be based on solidarity, i.e. no Member State can be left alone, and on credibility, so that we avoid transforming illegality to legality. A credible policy of repatriation should be elaborated and a clear distinction between refugees and economic migrants should be made", he declared.

"The European policy addressing the problems in the Mediterranean should be composed of reinforcing the Frontex missions by making them permanent from the beginning of 2008, and asking the Member States to fulfil their earlier commitments. Extra funding and rapid intervention forces have also been found to help Member States in interpretation, immigrant identification and first aid. This should be deployed as decided by the European Council. In addition to the European repatriation strategy, political proposals need to be offered to the countries of origin of the illegal immigrants to offer them help in training and languages, so that viable routes and prospects for legal immigration could be established", said Frattini. He concluded by stating: "Immigration is a top priority of the Portuguese Presidency: we have to play a political role and this is an issue that can only be solved politically. We need to endorse the proposal on the Euro-Mediterranean pact on immigration".

Antonio Tajani, Head of the Italian Delegation (FI) of the EPP-ED Group
Antonio Tajani took the example of the Roman Empire where people from all over were welcome with their religions and traditions as long as they respected the Roman laws. "Anyone who comes legally to Europe should be willing to become a European citizen: our freedoms should not be undermined by violence. European identity is similar across Europe and when it is undermined, our society is undermined", he said.

Tonio Borg, Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Home Affairs
Tonio Borg spoke on the strong impact of immigration on the Maltese society and called for solidarity among the EU Member States. "Malta recognises its responsibilities towards those who need help and protection by giving them a status. But the burden of illegal immigration should be shared in two ways: firstly we need more help at sea, and secondly we should reach a burden sharing agreement on immigrants within the EU. However, the countries of origin of the illegal immigrants should help us in the repatriation process by accepting European travel documents", stated Borg.

Mario Mauro MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament
Mario Mauro MEP underlined the importance of integration and especially the language skills of the immigrants. "Europe is not a desert where everybody can pitch their tent ignoring the surroundings. A multi-ethnic and harmonious society is possible with careful planning. We need respect and we need an explicit desire on the part of the immigrant to integrate into society. We have overcome similar challenges in the past and I am confident that we will do so in the future. The EPP-ED Group has always promoted integration, we want to avoid clashes," he concluded.

Dr Saad El-Sharmani, Libyan Ambassador to Malta
Also participating in the discussion was the Libyan Ambassador to Malta Dr Saad El-Sharmani. He stressed the will of Libya to stop illegal immigration, their efforts to discourage brain drain from Africa, and their need for financial and technical help from the EU.

Petya Stavreva MEP
Bulgarian MEP Petya Stavreva highlighted the different impact of the illegal and legal immigration policy. Bulgaria, being a new Member State and having an external border, has to protect the EU from organised crime i.e. traffic of human beings, and arms and drugs. Therefore, the country needs the assistance and expertise of the EU where solidarity is of major importance. The old Member States that have opened their borders to the labour force from Central and Eastern Europe have benefited economically and socially. "I agree with Commissioner Frattini that the decisive role for efficient immigration policy in Europe is in the hands of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers rather than in those of the Member States", said Stavreva.

Jozsef Szájer MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
Concluding the debate, Jozsef Szájer MEP stated that the EPP-ED Group had travelled to the spot to observe the problems. "If we do not have a common immigration policy which the people support, we risk losing the freedom of movement inside the Union, one of its founding principles", he voiced. He laid out a 9 point programme for the European immigration policy, summarising it to the clear separation of legal and illegal immigration, and taking efficient actions to implement the policies.