Recent humanitarian tragedies in the Mediterranean - EESC statement

In response to the deaths of thousands of people in the Mediterranean, the EESC plenary session, with deep sorrow and indignation, once again calls on the institutions of the European Union and Member States to take the necessary humanitarian actions and political decisions. The European Union has a responsibility to people fleeing war, persecution, conflict and poverty.

A year and a half after the catastrophe in Lampedusa, tragedies continue to take place every day. Regarding the 10-point plan adopted by the EU Foreign and Home Affairs Ministers on 20 April, the EESC considers that it is essential to go beyond a security approach. A humanitarian approach, solidarity and a fair sharing of responsibilities should be the essential principles of a common immigration policy in the EU.

The EESC urges the European Council to consider the following steps at its extraordinary meeting on 23 April:

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  To launch a large-scale humanitarian rescue and reception operation in the Mediterranean Sea that goes further than the Frontex border control mission, “Triton”. Any such mission should have the same approach as the Italian “Mare Nostrum” operation and aim to save lives. Member States should be involved, but missions should be funded by the EU. The EU must improve its asylum policy. The EESC has drawn up various proposals for the creation of a common asylum system, but adopted legislation is insufficient and not properly implemented by the Member States. Displaced persons are protected by international law and should be able to lodge applications for asylum at the EU’s external borders, respecting the principle of non-refoulement at the borders. An ambitious review of the Dublin Regulation is vital.
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  The EU must foster solidarity among Member States, in particular through a proportional distribution of refugees. Urgent measures are required to provide financial, operational and reception support to those Member States which, because of their geographical location, have the greatest burden. The amount of places for resettlement should be increased significantly.
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  The EU should strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and with countries neighbouring conflict zones, in order to implement programmes for reception and protection of the thousands of people displaced. Large scale Search and Rescue operations for immigrants at sea cannot be left to be carried out by commercial shipping. The EU should cooperate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). EU and Member States' immigration laws and policies should be revised to ease admission. The EESC insists that policy must be based on a consensus providing legal, open and flexible channels of entry into the EU, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and including as an essential element cooperation with the countries of origin. Cooperation should be reinforced in order to set up offices in third countries providing assistance and information to potential migrants. The whole global community must be requested to take responsibility to try to find proper solutions.
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  Enhance police and judicial cooperation in the fight against criminal networks trafficking persons. The EU should work with the countries of origin and transit to prevent people from falling into the hands of traffickers. Smuggling and trafficking are criminal offences and those responsible should be relentlessly pursued. The EESC insists, however, that neither the migrants themselves nor those delivering humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress should be criminalised.
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  In order to sustain a comprehensive policy approach, all the humanitarian organisations active in the areas affected should be given every possible financial and logistical assistance.

Solutions will only be efficient in the long term if wars can be brought to an end and, in the countries affected by conflict, adequate levels of political, economic and social stability established. The European External Action Service, in cooperation with the international community, should make a strategy of this kind their priority.

PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM, with the President of the EESC - CHARLEMAGNE building, European Commission (170 Boulevard Charlemgane, 1040 Brussels)

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EESC Press Unit

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