Video: https://youtu.be/tPWOk4RWw40
Dear all,
Thank you for your meaningful contributions – many of which are very much in line with the Commission's thinking and objectives.
Our relation with Turkey is not about antagonism in term of power dynamics.
It is about an agreement to address an issue in a joint way.
Both Turkey and Europe are under large pressure.
We are confronted with the same challenges.
Cooperation is necessary.
It is true that Turkey is considering this cooperation as a catalyst to reenergise our relations as well as the European perspective.
This new chapter at EU-Turkey relations is not interpreted as a concession on our basic values of European Democracy.
On the contrary, it is an opportunity for Turkey to come closer to the European standards on all issues:
- Democratic values
- Rule of Law
- Freedom of expression
- Respect of minority rights
- and solution of Cyprus issue
It is in Europe's interest to have a democratic and stable Turkey as a neighbour and it is to the interest of Turkey to have EU as a stable supporter and partner.
The refugee crisis brought us closer in a spirit of mutual understanding.
It needs to be proved whether we mean what we say and agree.
We are monitoring that every single aspect of this agreement happens in full accordance with EU and international law.
For example, the Turkish authorities have passed legislation to ensure protection for Syrians.
We were very explicit to say to them that guarantees are needed for all those who are in need of protection – whether they are Syrian or not.
On Visa liberalisation, 35 out of the 72 requirements are fulfilled.
But the Commission has been crystal clear:
we can only make a proposal to lift visa requirements if the benchmarks are met.
And Turkey knows this, and they are making efforts to further accelerate the fulfilment of the benchmarks if we want to lift the visa requirement by June 2016.
The deal has only started being implemented with just over 300 people returned who have not applied for asylum and 74 Syrian resettled directly from Turkey so far.
This is only the start.
Next week, the Commission will formally report on the state of play of implementation of all elements of the agreement.
But let me say this: this agreement is an important step for a long term renewed relationship.
A common goal in that is also to come closer to one another when it comes to values.
In the meantime, the Commission is heavily involved in the situation on the ground in Greece.
We are doing everything to support Greece in expanding reception capacities, in making sure that vulnerable applicants, such as women and children,
are being treated appropriately.
Member States need to continue relocating massively from Greece.
Of the more than 50,000 people stuck in Greece, at least 70% are eligible for relocation.
This is important for those stranded in Idomeni and Pireus already before 20 March.
Let's also look at other routes.
The arrivals from Libya to Italy show that as long as there is instability, as long as there are smugglers taking advantage of this situation, people will continue to migrate.
It's as simple as that.
So we have to keep working on the bigger picture: this means continuing our political efforts to bring back stability to Syria and Libya.
This also means turning into reality our proposal for a European Border and Coast Guard.
We are very happy that this House presented a draft report and has a timetable which reflects our commitments.
We have no time to lose here – indeed summer is already there.
This also means enhancing legal pathways so people don't have to resort to irregular routes – and I'd like to thank those Members of this House who have raised this, and support our view.
Stepping up our efforts on resettlement is an essential part of the solution – primarily from Turkey now, but also from Lebanon and Jordan which are hosting many refugees.
I have said this before: if we genuinely want to close the irregular backdoor, we have to open a safe and legal window.
Fortress Europe is neither desirable nor feasible:
simply because as long as people have reasons to flee, they will continue to do so, and they will continue to try to come to Europe.
And not only is it our moral and legal responsibility to offer a safe haven for those in need –
but we also need to make our policies and our approach future proof.
Resettlement is the way forward to ensure orderly, legal and controlled admission from third countries for those who are in need of protection.
Some of you also mentioned Dublin – we don't want a cosmetic reform.
We need to reform and improve Dublin to ensure that solidarity and a fair sharing of responsibility is engrained in the new system, because the current one is simply not sustainable.
We all know that there is no easy solution to the challenge we face. But one thing is sure: we have to work together and not against each other.
This is valid for the EU Institutions, the MS, our relations with our neighbours.