In order to curb migration, the EU should “deepen” agreements with countries of origin. This is what those bordering the Mediterranean are demanding.
The countries bordering the Mediterranean are putting pressure on the EU to curb migration. Government members from five countries have called on the EU to “deepen” its agreements with important countries of origin. “The key to migration management lies in bilateral cooperation,” said Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska on Saturday after a meeting with colleagues from Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta on the island of Gran Canaria. He called on the EU Commission to “deepen and expand partnerships and agreements with third countries” to curb irregular immigration.
There is still “room for improvement,” said Spain’s Interior Minister. The commitment should “focus on increasing European resources and flexible financing instruments intended for this cooperation,” he demanded.
According to current EU regulations, the country of arrival is responsible for the reception and examination of asylum seekers and their eventual return. This has put the countries bordering the Mediterranean under enormous pressure and strengthened right-wing extremist forces in the countries.
Criticism of some agreements
Such agreements are not entirely without controversy, especially when it comes to the use of funds. Several MEPs recently accused the EU Commission of being a “fundraiser for dictators”. Specifically, the case was mentioned of 150 million euros given to Tunisia for development and migration assistance, which were said to have gone directly into the hands of President Kais Saied. A similar agreement with Egypt is also being criticized.
The new EU asylum pact was passed by the EU Parliament on April 11th. Among other things, it provides for accelerated asylum procedures at Europe’s external borders and a better distribution of migrants between member states. The new regulations will come into force in 2026.
