Problems with migrants – "headache" EU

The European Union is trying to find a solution to the problem with the influx of migrants. For this, the ministers of internal affairs of the member countries gathered EU – they are discussing the EC proposals on how to reduce the number of “seekers of a better life” heading to the European continent.

Acute disagreements on migration issues between France and Italy came to light at an extraordinary meeting of EU interior ministers. They were convened in Brussels after the countries quarreled over who would take over the SOS Mediterranee charity’s Ocean Viking ship, blocked in Italian waters, with 200 migrants on board. As a result, it received permission to enter the port of Toulon.

Greece, Cyprus and Malta have joined the fray and said they were frustrated with the execution of a scheme set up by the French president last June in which more northern countries voluntarily take asylum seekers to the EU. The southern ministers said that not only was there a need for greater solidarity from other states, but also an improvement in the EU’s legal framework for search and rescue operations. The Italian government would like to introduce a code of conduct for non-governmental organizations that ferry migrants, and the Vice-President of the European Commission considers this possible. Margaritis Schinas notes:

“I think that we can agree on this issue. We must work with NGOs, but in an orderly manner, with respect for our member states. Search and rescue operations must be carried out in a constructive manner. And if this requires a more structured framework, such as a code of conduct, then we will support it.”

The discussions touched upon a topical issue around which there is much controversy – the role of NGO courts. The main issue requiring unanimity is: should countries take responsibility for the registered vessels of non-governmental organizations, their actions and the migrants they rescue? Juan Matias Gil, head of the Search and Rescue mission of MSF, says:

“The Italian government refers to provisions that are not written anywhere in the legislation. Thus, the law does not require that the states whose flags ships fly take care of them and intervene without fail in case of emergencies at sea involving these ships. We insist that we 100% comply with the law. We do everything we have to do according to the law. Those who do not comply with their obligations are the EU member states. They do not coordinate rescue operations and do not automatically assign places to stay safely, as they should. Therefore, we do not need innovation, we just need the member states or countries that have signed the International Convention to fulfill their obligations.”

The European Commission calls on all countries to accelerate as much as possible the resettlement program, which was agreed upon by a number of European member states back in June. It is also planned to allocate 600 million euros to finance North African countries.

The ministers gave their assessment of the Action Plan for the Central Mediterranean presented by the European Commission. It contains 20 items that provide for closer cooperation with African countries. A similar plan will be developed for the migration route through the Western Balkans, which is of serious concern to several countries, as the number of illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders through this region has increased by 168% compared to last year.

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