Migration: civil liberties committee to debate Commission plan for permanent relocation scheme

The civil liberties committee discusses on Tuesday 22 September new proposals by the European Commission to tackle the refugee crisis. Proposed measures include a permanent relocation mechanism, a common EU list of safe countries of origin and an effective return policy. Ahead of the debate, we asked Parliament’s political groups for their views on the crisis. Watch the debate live on our website and check out the main migration routes in the infographic.

The Commission proposal announced on 9 September also includes the relocation of an additional 120,000 asylum seekers from Italy, Greece and Hungary to other EU member states, which will be debated later the same day during the extraordinary meeting of the Justice and Home affairs Council. This proposal was already backed by MEPs on 17 September. Parliament and the Council have an equal say on the permanent relocation mechanism and the common EU list of safe countries.

MEPs' views ahead of the debate

Roberta Metsola (EPP, Malta)

"Fortress Europe" is not an answer, but neither is abandoning our external border controls. Ministers meet again this week. They must have the political courage to act. Our Union depends on it.

Birgit Sippel i (S&D, Germany)

Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has put forward concrete plans, including the relocation of a further 120,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary and a permanent crisis relocation mechanism. We now must pressure national governments to endorse it.

Timothy Kirkhope i (ECR, UK)

I am hoping that we can start to look at the wider picture of how we can really begin to take on the traffickers, speed up processing and returns of economic migrants, (ensure) safe reception conditions for genuine refugees, and resources to support the refugee camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

I am also hoping that we ask what part each country can play, rather than enforcing a plan upon them.

Cecilia Wikström i (ALDE, Sweden)

I am proud that the European Parliament sets a good example and acts as quickly as possible to help the refugees who have reached Europe.

The crisis we are witnessing right now is just a small part of the crisis that may soon strike against Europe.

Ska Keller i (Greens/EFA, Germany)

In voting to approve the refugee relocation scheme without delay, the European Parliament has acted to recognise the urgency of situation and sent a strong signal to national governments.

REF. : 20150921STO94019