Irregular migration ‘a European challenge’

Tackling irregular migration is a European challenge that requires a European response, a joint statement by nine governments including Cyprus said on Friday, during the 11th Summit of the Southern countries of the EU (Med 9) taking place in Paphos.

The heads of state of Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Spain and the foreign affairs minister of Portugal were all in Paphos for the Med9 summit where they underscored the importance of a holistic approach “so as to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.”

They specified they would focus their efforts on dismantling smuggling networks and strengthening border management so as to “enhance the prevention of irregular arrivals and loss of life on all routes.”

In a joint declaration after a day of talks, a statement said it was incumbent on them to work together to expand partnership with key countries of interest around the Mediterranean, in Africa and “and other key countries of origin and transit, making full and systematic use of EU leverage to increase return and readmission policies.”

“While respecting the protection of international rights and obligations, we will also work towards improving the framework for returns, to increase the return rate of failed asylum applicants and other third country nationals who have no legal right to stay in the Union, and we will consider new ways to prevent and counter irregular migration.”

The nine governments underlined significant progress has been made with the adoption of the European Pact on Asylum and migration, to which its effective and timely implementation is prioritised.

“We will also develop legal migration pathways, corresponding to the requirements of Member States. Such complex and sensitive issues necessitate the allocation of adequate EU funding in the coming years.”