Dear all,
Today in the College, we focused on the state of play of the situation and the implementation of the priority actions under the European Agenda on Migration, in view of the European Council next week.
Over the past months, we have initiated many actions but we all agreed that efficiency on the ground is lacking.
We have lost time already. This is a fact. And this is not acceptable.
This year, a significant number of migrants might still attempt to reach Europe.
Several States are tightening controls at their borders, especially along the Balkan route.
We must make clear:
– that those migrants, that arrive in the Union, will be protected if thet are entitled to, but it is not up to them to decide in which Member State;
– that migrants who do not qualify for protection will be returned;
– and that in general, asylum seekers need to have and use legal ways to come to Europe (such as resettlement and humanitarian admission) No one should risk her or his life at sea.
We must give an end to this inhuman situation which doesn’t correspond to our civilisation.
To translate these principles into concrete actions, we must, more than ever, step up our COMMON efforts so that the measures agreed are effectively implemented.
First, Italy and Greece have to urgently ensure that all the hotspots are operational. The works seem to be accelerated, which is a positive signal.
Thanks to the hotspot approach, the proportion of migrants fingerprinted in Greece has risen.
Once all hotspots will be fully operational, 100% of the migrants will have to be fingerprinted.
At the hotspots, we need to have the resources and capability to channel the migrants in the asylum/relocation process, or to initiate the return procedure.
On top, Greece, with the support of Frontex, shall also reinforce the control at the FYROM/Greece border.
We should promote a solution to be implemented in the Greek side of the border.
To achieve these objectives, all Member States have to show solidarity and responsibility.
But so far, only 497 migrants were relocated.
That is why I have addressed today a letter to each Interior Minister with a strong message:
To remind them that they are bound by the relocation decisions which have to be implemented immediately in light of the emergency of the situation.
We need to urgently switch gears on relocation.
More importantly, we all have to unite our efforts and combine forces to increase the number of return of irregular migrants.
Some progress was made in defining tailor-made packages to incentivise third countries to readmit their nationals.
In order for the return to be effective, we need to make sure that migrants are not absconding.
For this purpose, it is of the utmost importance that sufficient places are available in closed centres for people who do not have a right to stay in Europe.
If we do not return irregular migrants, we undermine both our own credibility and take away from resources that should be focused on accommodating people in need of protection.
To reduce the flow of migrants to Greece, Turkey is a key partner.
The Turkey Refugee Facility is a key contribution to support Turkey.
It will pool €3 billion in 2016-17 to provide a comprehensive and coordinated assistance package to support the 2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.
To share responsibility, Member States also need to put in place the voluntary humanitarian admission scheme with Turkey that we proposed in December.
If – and this is the condition – the irregular flows are stemmed, it does not end Europe’s humanitarian obligation to do our part in dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis.
Dear Friends,
To ensure control of the situation and to dedicate efforts to protect those in need, we have to take tough decisions, determined action, and show responsibility and solidarity.
We will, of course, continue to do our part as European Commission and we are committed to continue working with the Member States to ensure the full implementation of the actions agreed together.