(Regarding the ongoing refugee crisis) Our priority right now is to save lives. I don’t want to be very optimistic. The situation might become even worse in the future. The flows will not subside as long as this part of the world is on fire. We know the reasons, the root causes, of these flows towards Europe. So, Europe must be well prepared. This is exactly what we have done recently. I want to be frank with you. It took some time to understand how tragic the situation is in the area. Both Europe and Member States are caught by surprise.
(Regarding the current relocation numbers) It is true to say that we have a long way to run, but we have started.
(Regarding the so far defined financial budget and the allocation) Now, it is the moment that we have started delivering with the participation of all MS. On the other hand, it is not all about money. It is about human beings and we have to defend and protect their dignity and their life. That is what we are doing right now.
(Regarding the building of fences) First of all, Sweden is not erecting fences. It just reintroduced border controls and this is its right to do so in order to better manage the situation within its county. We should never permit fences to be erected within Europe. Schengen will never be put at stake. I am responsible for that and I can assure you that I will never put my signature under such an act, because Schengen is the greatest achievement of the European integration.
(Regarding xenophobia and rise of racist movements within Europe) What is of great concern, right now, is the raising of xenophobia, nationalism and populism in Europe. Europe will be in need of migrants. We should not forget that Europe is formed by nations of migrants and refugees. It is in our DNA. If we act like this, the European project will be at stake and we shall never permit that happens.
(Regarding the increasing migrant and refugee flows in the future) I am afraid that we are going to be confronted with even more difficult situation in the future. This era will be defined by the historians of the future as the era of human mobility. A lot of displaced people will come in the future for many reasons, like war, persecution, environmental problems. So, we must be well prepared. That’s why the Commission has taken the initiative to put this issue on table in the UN and in all international organisations in order to make it a global one.