Optimism for a common line on immigration in the EU – The Meloni parameter

The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the House, provoked another debate on immigration in the European Parliament. A topical issue, as the head of the EPP, Manfred Weber, says, are the latest figures on the arrivals of refugees and immigrants, which are constantly increasing and now remind us of the dramatic summer of 2015. “Reception centers in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands have fill up again,” says the German politician, warning that the operation of the Schengen area is at risk. Despite the calls for European solidarity, despite the Commission’s proposals for a fair distribution of the burdens, despite the scenarios for an “agreement of the willing” as a necessary solution, the Gordian link remains.

Now the Czech EU presidency has made the “migration deal” a top priority, and Manfred Weber reckons that, for the first time in seven years, we are very close to an agreement. The time horizon is the Euro-elections of 2024. After all, it is certain that those candidates seeking re-election will be asked what they have done to find a European solution to the issue of immigration.

“The Council will be forced to change its mind”

“Citizens ask this question, every day,” the ND MEP tells Deutsche Welle. Eliza Wozenberg, who participates in the consultations on the new legislative package on the part of the Parliament. “There is, if you want, an assumption of responsibility, for all of us involved in the management of the immigration until the end of this term, in 2024, to have reached the new agreement”, emphasizes the Greek MEP. “I have the honor to be a rapporteur on the file on crisis management in times of force majeure. All files are progressing and I personally believe that by 2023 the first file related to the main regulation will be completed”.

The Parliament is pushing for a “policy of solidarity” towards the European South, but the final decision is taken in the Council. There, in recent years, many – especially Eastern European – governments have been blocking decisions. So why should something happen by 2024 that hasn’t happened by 2022? “They’re going to have to change it, that’s my view,” says Eliza Vosenberg. “Because the thinking has now matured, the needs and conditions have also matured.”

For his part, Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas seems cautious. “I will be a bit pessimistic, given that so far we have not found satisfactory solutions for immigration,” he tells Deutsche Welle. “As a result, some countries like ours, like Greece, Malta, Italy, pull the oar and have the biggest costs, without the rest wanting or being able to help, as much as we ask.”

“The problem is huge” in Cyprus

Could the so-called “agreement of the willing” provide a solution, even on a bilateral basis? “It could, if implemented correctly,” says Loukas Fourlas. “While Germany has said it can take about 10,000 people (from Cyprus) who are in trouble, at the moment it has only taken 37. The countries that have signed some agreement have not taken the numbers they have announced. The structures have been created to accommodate about 1,000 people, while at the moment there are 5,000 or 6,000 people there.”

The MEP of DIS.SY. states that the problem is particularly acute in Cyprus, with most immigrants now coming from African countries. “Cyprus, a semi-occupied country with so many problems, currently has 6.5% of its population being asylum seekers,” he says. “We have a Turkey that uses immigration as a tool and sends incredible numbers through the occupied, which the Republic of Cyprus cannot absorb. We are talking about hundreds of people from Somalia, Congo, Nigeria. They come via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, land at the occupied Tympo airport and are funneled into the free areas. The problem is huge. The EU is listening, but so far has not provided effective solutions. And if he doesn’t provide effective solutions, I don’t know how we will get to the 2024 elections.”

“Let’s wait” for Meloni

A new variable in the difficult immigration equation is the new Italian government of Giorgia Meloni, who is reportedly determined to take a hard line. But will she implement her announcements? And if so, does this contribute to finding a solution or will it cause new problems?

“Ms. Meloni had not hidden her intentions, so we are not surprised by this,” says Eliza Vosenberg. “But I would say to wait. A policy that is announced, along the way is softened or sharpened depending on the circumstances. Let’s wait and see Mrs. Meloni’s policy, she is now taking exams.” On the same wavelength, the Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas points out: “I am of the logic that we should see in practice what he will do. The statements have been made. Let’s see what will happen on the ground, so we can judge.”

DW – Yannis Papadimitriou, Strasbourg

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