MEPs Urge EU to Develop Sustainable Asylum and Migration Solutions
In a plenary discussion with President von der Leyen and the Swedish Presidency that took place yesterday, February 1, MEPs wished to see more results in the area of migration and asylum policy in the context of increasing illegal arrivals.
Moreover, MEPs also called for borders of the EU to be protected more efficiently by setting up fences and highlighted the need to increase the rate of people being returned after reaching the bloc irregularly, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
In addition to the above-mentioned, some others proposed that asylum applications get processed in the territory of third countries in order to reach the most vulnerable individuals and talked about improving cooperation with non-EU countries and addressing the causes of migration.
MEPs further noted that the ageing population in Europe makes labour migration necessary, advocating for opening legal pathways into the EU.
Commenting on the requirements made by MEPs, President von der Leyen said that migration is a challenge which must be met with a suitable response from the EU authorities.
“It’s our duty to make sure that Europe continues to be a space for protection for those who need it. However, the asylum and reception systems across the Member States are under considerable strain,” von der Leyen stressed.
According to von der Leyen, in the legislative process, the best response the EU could give is to make progress on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Furthermore, von der Leyen said that the EU must immediately address the ongoing situation in the Central Mediterranean where the migratory pressure has increased significantly.
Lastly, von der Leyen also said that the EU must address secondary movement and ensure effective solidarity at the same time.
“Migration is very complex. It is a matter of understanding each other’s challenges and a matter of working together. This is what we will present to the European Council on February 9,” von der Leyen concluded.
The Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Jessika Roswall also commented on the matter on behalf of the Presidency of the Council. Minister Roswall said that the EU leaders would focus on controlling external borders, returning migrants and asylum-seekers without the right to stay, and cooperating with third countries.
At the same time, Minister Roswall assured MEPs that negotiations on the migration and asylum pact are progressing at a good pace.
