Rome, 8 June 2014
I am very pleased to be once again here in Rome and to meet with my friend Angelino Alfano. Of course, the main topic of our discussion was migration.
Last month, the European Commission put forward the European Agenda on Migration. It is a comprehensive proposal to better manage migration. We have to do it together with all EU Member States.
With Minister Alfano, we discussed many aspects of the Agenda and in particular, the immediate response to the migratory crisis in the Mediterranean.
Italy bears the enormous responsibility to manage a large and very much exposed section of the European border. This section is under an immense pressure at the moment.
Italy is doing it for all of Europe. And on behalf of Europe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women who operate in difficult conditions to save lives.
The European Agenda on Migration shows that Europe stands by Italy to address these challenges.
To secure Europe’s borders and save lives, Joint operation Triton was substantially extended and almost all EU Member States are participating.
To support Italy, and also Greece, to manage the increasing number of migrants reaching their shores, we have proposed a relocation scheme for 40.000 people who are in clear need of international protection. These migrants would be transferred to other EU Member States.
Europe will support Italy’s efforts. The European Commission and Member States are ready to help.
In few weeks, the Frontex Regional Operational Team in Sicily will become operational. It will ensure daily cooperation with the local authorities.
As announced in the Agenda, the Commission made 60 million in emergency funding available for frontline Member States.
Our discussions also focused on the contribution of Italy to ensure the successful implementation of all these measures.
Italy has reconfirmed that it will continue to cooperate:
– so that migrants are fingerprinted upon arrival;
– so that those who do not have the right to stay, are swiftly returned.
I look forward to continue working with Minister Alfano to implement all the elements of the Agenda, and to ensure that responsibility and solidarity go hand in hand.
I hope that the upcoming discussion of the Commission’s proposals in the Justice and Home Affairs Council and the European Council lead to concrete results and actions.
The European Agenda on Migration is a test for Europe. We will not step back. We are committed and determined to move forward.