The European Movement International (EMI) welcomes the proposal of the European Commission for a permanent system of responsibility sharing for asylum seekers between all EU Member States, to be preceded by a temporary relocation mechanism responding to the current crisis situation in the Mediterranean. Agreement on the proposed mechanism would be a sign of real European solidarity, and, at the same time, would contribute towards the human treatment of persons in need.

The European Agenda on Migration presented today includes long-needed plans to deal with migration on a European level. A truly integrated strategy is imperative to manage the number of refugees and asylum seekers, and its implementation seeks the combined efforts of the Commission and all Member States, including those Member States with opt-out rights.

Frédéric Vallier, Vice President, European Movement International, said:

“The launch of the new European Migration strategy offers the opportunity to structurally address the influx of refugees arriving across the Mediterranean. Saving lives and treating refugees and asylum seekers with dignity and respect should be at the core of the European Agenda, while at the same time pursuing efforts to eradicate the unbearable living conditions that make people leave their homelands.”

Bernd Hüttemann, Vice President, European Movement International, added:

“Recent events have proven that migration is an issue that should be addressed at the European level. The proposed burden-sharing will take the pressure off the Member States and EEA states that share the external borders of the EU, and present a European solution to a European problem. We expect the Commission and Member States to make every effort to swiftly adopt and implement the measures proposed, while respecting the democratic process in order to ensure a wide backing for the system.”

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Notes to the Editors

1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisations with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions. europeanmovement.eu