The EU Council has agreed to pursue the opening of disembarkation centres outside the European Union for asylum seekers and migrants, EU Council President Donald Task announced this afternoon.
However, he did concede that "it was far too early to talk about a success, we have reached an agreement in the council, but we need to assess what awaits on the ground when it is implemented."
Speaking at a press conference following the EU Council Meeting, Tusk explained that the Council had agreed on three principle proposals on migration, including the proposed creation of disembarkation centres, which will most likely be EU-funded and be protected under the strictest human rights and international obligations. UNHCR, IOM, and third countries will be involved in the project.
The centres will be used to process asylum applications and differentiate between genuine refugees and irregular economic migrants. All migrants found in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations will be taken to the disembarkment centres.
Location of resettlement will continue to be taken on a voluntary basis.
"It will be the most effective method to break the smuggling business model," Tusk said, noting that it is a 'difficult' and 'controversial' initiative.
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will also include an increase in funds dedicated to combating irregular migration, while EU support for the Libyan Coast Guard will be boosted.
Turning to NGOs, who have been at the centre of the diplomatic stand-offs between the Maltese and Italian governments, Tusk sent a stern message.
"My clear message to all vessels, including NGOs, operating in the Mediterranean, you must respect the law and not obstruct the operation of the Libyan Coast Guard," the Council President said emphasising his "clear and vocal support of the Maltese authorities" following their stance over MV Lifeline.
Turkey, EU Commissioner Jean Claude Juncker said, will also be receiving a further 3 billion euro towards the refugee settlements currently based there. According to the UNHCR, as of October 2017, there are approximately 3.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.
A further 500 million euro will also be added the EU Development Trust Fund for Africa.
Tusk stressed that the migration issue was not a squarely a Mediterranean issue, pointing to the good work done in the Central Eastern European route through the common action with third countries such as Turkey. He said it was important to secure the union's external borders.
Banking Union & Stability Mechanism
This EU summit also saw the completion of the creation of a European Banking Union, along with the creation of a European stability mechanism fund, through popular approval in the council.
With regards to the former, it refers to overhauling the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), which oversees bailouts to troubled member states, such as Greece, into a European Monetary Fund, acting as a firefighter for eurozone countries with serious debt problems.
"This will strengthen the euro and the union, this is welcome news for all," Tusk said.
Juncker expanded explaining that the mechanism will now be able to withstand any asymmetric and unexpected shocks to the European economy as was the case with Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, all of whom have been experiencing improved growth recently.
Juncker also spoke of his proposed meeting US President Donald Trump, saying that the European Council has shown "a united and resolved front for fair trade, free trade, trust, common rules, and reliable partners."
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2tEhNm9
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