European Commission proposes better management of migration

European Commission proposes better management of migration

2011-05-04 21:44:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Commission on Wednesday presented initiatives for a more structured, comprehensive, rapid-response approach from the European Union (EU) to the challenges and opportunities of migration.

The measures introduced by the Commission included strengthening border control and Schengen governance, completing the Common European Asylum System, more targeted legal migration, exchanging best practices for successful integration of migrants, and a strategic approach for relations with third countries on the issue.

"It is clear that the EU needs a strong common asylum and migration policy. This has only become more evident in recent months, in view of the historic events taking place in North Africa," said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner of Home Affairs.

The Commission's proposals were a response to the migrant crisis in southern Italy and the Mediterranean where thousands of North African people are fleeing their native countries due to the armed conflicts to European shores.

"The EU must live up to its vocation to offer a haven to those in need of protection," added Malmström. "It is also clear that the EU would benefit from some targeted labor immigration in order to help address expected labor shortages in many sectors."

In this way, the Commission's initiatives are aimed at properly manage migration by ensuring effective border control and assisting EU Member States in dealing with extraordinary migratory situations.

The Italian government has voiced their concern over the lack of EU support to the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Over 650,000 people have arrived to the shores of Italy's Lampedusa Island since the beginning of February.

Most of the migrants came from Libya and Tunisia, where armed conflicts have severely affected the civil society. In late April, the EU announced an agreement to provide assistance to Italy over the mass influx of North African migrants.

Under the agreement, Italy was allowed to grant a six-month visa for the Tunisian refugees who arrived before April 4. The temporary passport entitles its holders for free movement in the entire territory of the EU.

"Recent events have also triggered concerns about the functioning of the Schengen system. The free movement of people across European borders is a major achievement which must not be reversed, but rather strengthened," said Malmström.

The Schengen Treaty established a borderless zone between the 25 countries of the European Union. The accord affects an estimated 400 million people. Last week, France and Italy called for changes to the accord to solve the crisis.

"The Commission has already proposed a better evaluation mechanism to ensure that the external borders are effectively controlled. To safeguard the stability of the Schengen area, it may also be necessary to foresee the temporary re-introduction of limited internal border controls under very exceptional circumstances."

So far, the EU has allocated funds to manage the humanitarian emergency generated by the asylum seekers; FRONTEX launched a Joint Operation (EPN Hermes Extension 2011), aimed at helping Italy deal with the situation of migrants and refugees coming to Italian shores; and EUROPOL sent a team of experts to support law enforcement agencies.

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