MEP Roberta Metsola today visited the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, praising the private rescue initiative as “an example to all EU states.”
“The commitment shown by MOAS in saving thousands of lives at sea is an example to all EU States. It is projects like this that will help combat the “culture of indifference” that surrounds the issue of migrations on so many fronts,” said LIBE committee MEP Roberta Metsola
Dr Metsola is the deputy coordinator of the European People’s Party (EPP) within the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).
She visited the M.Y. Phoenix, the boat being used by MOAS, where she met founders Christopher and Regina Catrambone, director Brig. Martin Xuereb and other members of the crew that helped save 3,000 lives in the Mediterranean Sea last summer.
“The thousands of lives saved by MOAS shines a light on the inaction by some EU Governments in this respect. We need a successful holistic approach to migration and any approach must start with saving lives. Inaction risks further tragedies in our seas. EU States cannot shirk their responsibility just because they are not geographically in the Mediterranean,” she added.
Dr Metsola concluded, “too many people have lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean. This is a European issue that requires a European solution.”