Q: Commissioner, what do you think about Trump’s executive order on immigration?
A: It is too early to judge, but Europe is built on strong values. We don’t intend make concessions on that. I would like to clarify that European approach to migration is not at the expense of security. We will open a dialogue with the new American administration – we have already asked a meeting with the new US Secretary of Homeland Security.
Q: What would Europe’s reaction be if Trump decided to introduce more controls and restrictions for European citizens?
A: You phrased this question with a “if”. We have not yet arrived to this point. If this were to happen, we will evaluate the new situation and act but we count on cooperation.
Q: You spoke about strong European values – i.e. no discrimination whatsoever, protection for those in need – but the relocation programme of migrants does not seem to be working very well.
A: I want to be frank with you. We are trying to convince all the Member States to participate in this scheme. However it is true that last year only 10,000 people were relocated from Greece and Italy – they were supposed to 160,000. We have to make the scheme work better. There have been encouraging signals in the last months. Libya is also a priority for us. We are determined to stop the smuggling. Our proposal foresees to invest more resources and use the new European Board and Coast Guard.