We welcome that a solution for the persons on board of the Ocean Viking has been found and that they will all be relocated following their disembarkation.
I would like to in particular commend the cooperation and support of the Maltese authorities who have once again – as they have on many occasions in the past – shown concrete solidarity by offering the Ocean Viking to disembark in Malta. This proves once again the strong commitment of Malta to a European approach on migration in the spirit of solidarity and joint responsibility.
We also welcome strongly the cooperation of France, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Luxembourg and Ireland who agreed to relocate the migrants on board the Ocean Viking. These commitments must now be honoured and materialised swiftly.
This positive outcome is the result of the intense coordination work of the Commission and constructive contacts with all Member States involved who have once again come forth and shown solidarity and willingness to contribute to a solution.
