"The concept of a new Frontex that would have the power to override national competences is not acceptable." This statement was made by the Head of the Maltese S&D Delegation made this statement while the European Parliament was discussing the "Preparation of the European Council meeting of 17 and 18 December 2015 Council and Commission statements" in Strasbourg.

The European Council is expected to discuss the fight against terrorism and migration among other matters.

Dr. Sant said it is obvious that the European Union needs a functioning migration and asylum policy to underpin the Schengen system. 'We obviously do not have it. The proposal to create a new, stronger Frontex is another proposal in firefighting mode. It aims to staunch the flow of migrants and refugees that has become uncontrollable in past months.'

The MEP said that the EU obviously needs stronger, more effective border controls. We also need first greater coherence in the formulation of migration policies.

"These cannot be simply packaged in beautiful statements about solidarity and European values, while lacking the tools to manage them. Nor can migration policies simply be declared unilaterally, provoking greater problems, and then expecting border states to assume full responsibility. The latter would then need to mobilise additional own financial resources, even as Dublin 2 remains in force."

"Even less acceptable is the concept of a new Frontex that would have the power to override national competences," said Dr. Sant.

Dr Sant concluded by saying that "most states at the EU's so-called external borders are small and have limited resources. What is being proposed, unless radically amended, amounts to a further reduction of their sovereignty without any transparent counterbalancing measures that would ensure the burdens of immigration are being contained and fairly distributed."

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