Mitarakis: Turkey must abide by its own commitments to the EU

In the 3rd ministerial meeting of Ministers of Home Affairs and Immigration of the Med5 team (Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Malta), which took place in Venice, was attended by Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Mr. Notis Mitarakis.

The aim of the meeting is to optimally coordinate the positions of the group of five EU Member States on new European Pact on Immigration and Asylum.

In his speech, o Minister of Immigration and Asylum stressed the importance of the immediate response of the European institutions and the Council to the refugee crisis in Ukraine, which paved the way for a new approach to immigration and asylum and set new standards, such as the abolition of internal borders and the creation of a Common European Space Protection.

Together with the Ministers of Italy, Cyprus, Malta and Spain, Mr. Mitarakis stressed, we agreed that only a balanced and fair common European immigration policy can work. «In our opinionHe added,the urgent need for solidarity with front-line countries goes hand in hand with enhanced protection of the EU’s external borders and that is why we need a FRONTEX with a strong political and operational mandate to support national efforts».

In addition, Mr. Mitarakisstressed the need to place greater emphasis on cooperation with countries of origin and transit, in order to prevent illegal arrivals and enhance returns, and said:Turkey must abide by its own commitments to the EU, inter alia, in the context of the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Declaration. in the spirit of trust and cooperation “.

Finally, Mr. Mitarakis referred to the necessity of combating smuggling networks and stressed: “We can not let smugglers choose who will enter Europe, which is why Greece is investing in bilateral cooperation schemes, with countries of origin offering more opportunities for work permits in exchange for better co-operation in returns. We have signed the first such agreement with Bangladesh and we are ready to develop similar cooperation with other countries of origin“, Concluded the Minister of Immigration and Asylum.

The Joint Declaration of MED5
We reaffirmed in the current and forthcoming Presidencies our support for a step-by-step approach to the negotiation of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum, and we encouraged the French Presidency to continue along the lines set out in the Solidarity tangible solidarity where needed through a specific mechanism.

In the statement about him solidarity mechanismin order to effectively reduce the pressure on front – line Member States, it is necessary to ensure the participation of a significant mass of Member States and countries involved in relocation.

Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Spain – we are convinced that this is the best way to look for balanced solutions between the responsibilities and the necessary solidarity that all Member States are called upon to demonstrate. This balance must be reflected in every step of the process.

In addition, the war in Ukraine demonstrated the unity of the European Union and its ability to express its solidarity with Ukraine and the Member States that provide protection to the millions of refugees fleeing the country. The EU mobilization in the case of Ukraine has set new standards that should be reflected in the ongoing negotiation of the Pact.

This is a common position of the Mediterranean countries, combined with the importance of promoting the protection of external borders and the development of European Union action against third countries to prevent flows and ensure cooperation in the field of returns and repatriation. , including through special relations with the countries of origin and transit of migratory flows.

Today’s meeting reaffirms the attention of the French and Czech Presidencies to our expectations and reaffirms the spirit of cooperation between the Mediterranean countries.
Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Spain thank Italy for hosting the Venice Ministerial Meeting and remain committed to further promoting our coordination.