Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Manuel Mallia called on the European Commission to go beyond a descriptive list of action and act swiftly to implement the measures identified by the Task Force Mediterranean with clear target dates and priorities.

Illegal immigration was high on the agenda of the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs meeting in Luxembourg today during which EU Ministers were briefed about development with the Task Force Mediterranean.

Speaking during the Council, Minister Mallia warned that the work of the Task Force risks dying a natural death if all it is used for is to catalogue the actions everyone is taking.

The Minister said that as a neighbouring state to Italy, Malta shares the daily efforts of saving lives at sea. The situation in the Mediterranean remains critical. Libya’s ability to control its borders is clearly compromised, whilst some of the countries of origin whose nationals commonly arrive on EU soil (many via Libya) continue experiencing the same crises they have had to endure over the previous years.

He said the implications of these factors, in terms of irregular migration, are obvious. Minister Mallia emphasised that difficult situations require determined reactions and thus this Council has to deliver.

Therefore whilst thanking the Commission for this list of actions which seemingly appears to implement the measures identified by the Task Force Mediterranean and set out in the Commission Communication, the Minister urged for the need to go beyond a descriptive list of actions and move to a more strategic approach in terms of what should be done, how and when, with indicative target dates and prioritisation.

The Minister said that our efforts should be focused on those actions that will contribute to prevent illegal migration flows. In the first place, the dangers of irregular migration and realities in Europe have to be publicised; secondly, migrant smuggling networks must be dismantled; and thirdly, it should be possible to lodge an asylum application and obtain protection closer to the country of origin without risking life and limb, not to mention exposure to exploitation.

Return and readmission are also a priority – there must be an increased focus on measures to improve the rate of returns. On one hand, this addresses the consequences of the illegal flows but it also contributes to prevention by discouraging would-be illegal migrants – demonstrating that illegal migration to the EU is not a viable option.

In this regard the Minister welcomes the pilot project on returns – it is a first tangible step to integrating readmission in the EU’s external relations in line with the more for more principle, something we have repeatedly said needs to be done. The Minister hoped that this pilot project is launched as soon as possible.

It is evident that these measures can only be taken through enhanced cooperation between the EU and third countries of origin and transit. The relocation of beneficiaries of international protection is still needed until such time as we have a more structural system in place.

The Minister concluded by saying that a more proactive, rather than descriptive, use of the Communication on the Task Force, with a clear plan as to the implementation of these actions, as well as identify gaps and think outside the box as Frontex suggested.

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