Robert Callus, AD spokesperson on Social Affairs, said in a statement today, “next Thursday the Civil liberties committee in the European Parliament will vote the Coehlo report regarding new EU legislation on the surveillance of external sea borders.

“The legislation has come under focus since the latest tragic losses of life in the Mediterranean and the perceived failure to tackle this recurring problem.”

He added, “the Greens have consistently pushed for a comprehensive EU border policy, which would ensure that all EU governments finally take their responsibility to prevent these avoidable tragedies off Europe’s coast and to ensure mutual support in doing so. To this end, this legislation must include concrete obligations on saving lives at sea.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “Some EPP MEPs, including Roberta Metsola, want to change the text regarding saving lives at sea. In fact, Dr Metsola has tabled amendments on saving lives which basically delete all specifc rules on saving migrants at sea and replace them by a general reference to international law.”

“One of the core aims of the regulation is to put an end to the different interpretations of EU member states on their international obligation on saving lives at sea. If the specific provisions are removed, the regulation is useless. Why is Roberta Metsola not supporting the common position of the EP which includes detailed rules on saving lives at sea?” Prof Cassola asked.

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