Common answers, single path

Over the past hours, following the umpteenth tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea, a large number of opinion leaders – politicians, media channels and commentators alike – pointed the finger at Europe, accused of being unable to respond to such migratory challenges. Moreover, none of them appear to remember that the same Member States too often strive to understand the need for effective Community responsibility regarding issues pertaining to border control, asylum policies and migration – both in terms of the management of migration flows and of the integration of those arriving in the new continent. In the meantime, dedicated tools have been devised – Frontex – or are being perfected – Eurosur – within EU seats which are meant to address this situation. Swedish EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström is actively engaged in all of the above-mentioned areas. Considering what has happened off the shores of Lampedusa, how could the situation be addressed at EU level, and what are the specific responsibilities of its Member States? Would you agree that the control of external borders, relief and the subsequent reception of refugees require greater solidarity among all EU countries?  “What happened in Lampedusa is a European tragedy. It is dreadful, of course and sadly this happens too often, the Mediterranean has turned into somewhat of a ‘Sea of Death’. These events show how important it is that Member States make prove of concrete solidarity. No EU country can tackle migratory challenges alone and this is why I have been constantly calling for a European common migratory policy based on respect of migrants’ and asylum seekers’ rights and on solidarity both with migrants and with Member States. In particular Member States who control external border of the European Union must be supported in their efforts. The European Commission is providing support to countries under extreme migratory pressure like Italy, Greece, Malta and Spain, via financial assistance, Frontex operations and the European asylum support office (Easo). We will soon have at our disposal a new tool, the Eurosur system, that will help better tracking and detecting small vessels in distress so rescue operations can be launched before tragedies happen. We also have to redouble our efforts to fight the criminals who exploit human despair and one crucial way to do so is to increase cooperation with the third countries where these criminal networks are based or operate”.Europe has made considerable progress in terms of its complex asylum policies, which is also a result of its commitment, which is evident in the adoption of the Common European Asylum System that will be fully operational as of 2015. Will it manage to provide an effective answer to reception and protection applications coming from many citizens fleeing from Northern African, Middle Eastern and Arab countries? “The Common European Asylum System we have recently adopted consists of detailed common rules introducing clear criteria to be applied when assessing asylum claims, more efficient procedures and better reception conditions to asylum-seekers. Specific guarantees are introduced for certain categories of vulnerable persons, in particular minors and victims of torture or violence, and it is now expressly recognised that Member States should avoid detention of asylum-seekers. And for those who see their asylum request accepted and are therefore granted international protection, the new rules harmonise the benefits that go with such a status, especially in terms of enhanced residence rights and easier access to employment and health care. More in general we have to be more open on asylum and we have to make more resettlement efforts to bring in the EU people who are in need of international protection, in cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for refugees. Bringing to the EU and giving shelter to the most vulnerable people could avoid them putting their lives at risk to reach the EU. It is unacceptable that refugees today are forced to turn to human smugglers to get to Europe. I wish we could set up asylum centres outside the EU as well, but the Members States are not prepared to do that, none of them”.You have always highlighted the urgent need to tackle the root cause of migration by stepping up cooperation for development. Is the European Union doing its share? “Migrants enrich our societies. They have done so always and always will. We have to work together to reap the benefits that a well-managed global migration policy can bring. Not doing so is simply not an option. If we want to successfully manage migratory flows we need first of all a change of attitude toward migration. We have to start looking at the benefits it can bring and the opportunities it can offer both to migrants and to EU countries. Migrants can make very powerful contributions to our societies. But these contributions can only be made if we are ready to recognize and use the potential of migration. It takes courage and leadership to promote this new approach, but sadly what we often see is a lack of political will and Member States who would rather build border controls than let in more people. Even if the situation is difficult I have no intention to give up my efforts and the European Commission keeps promoting initiatives to enhance legal migration. We currently have too few ways to enter the EU and this forces people to try and find very dangerous routes and to put their lives in the end of pitiless criminals who are exploiting human despair. This is why we are engaging with several countries of North-Africa to agree on a concerted manner to better manage migration flows and promote mobility. We have recently agreed on a new Mobility Partnership, also including more channels for regular migration, with Morocco and hopes similar agreements can be reached with other countries of the region, in particular Tunisia”.