Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta have urged the European Union (EU) to strengthen efforts to prevent irregular migration flows.
The countries, known as the MED5 group, had a meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to discuss how to put into action the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
During the meeting, the ministers agreed that the EU should work closely with the countries where most migrants come from or pass through to reach Europe.
They also emphasized the importance of making sure that agreements with these countries are fully followed to make migration organized and safe.
Pact aims for shared responsibility and solidarity
The new migration pact, adopted after years of negotiations, sets up a common legal framework based on shared responsibility and tangible solidarity among EU member states.
One big change is how asylum requests are handled at the border. Now, they have to be processed within just five days.
This quick process decides if someone can stay or face deportation.
Unlike before, where countries have mandatory quotas, now they have options. They can choose to take in migrants, offer financial support money, or deploy personnel.
The ministers are all on board with making sure these rules are put into action properly.
Funding concerns for frontline states
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stressed the importance of adequate funding and customized strategies to countries dealing with the most migrants.
He pointed out that the Med5 countries will continue promoting the message that handling migration benefits all of the EU, not just a few countries.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska agreed, saying that the EU should increase funding and find ways to finance projects that help countries where migrants come from or pass through.
Fears over search and rescue operations
While the new pact aims to address migration issues, concerns have surfaced about how it might affect rescue missions in the Mediterranean.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and experts are concerned that the new rules could make things even harder for migrants trying to cross the dangerous sea.
The Mediterranean has tragically earned the nickname “Europe’s largest cemetery” due to the estimated 29,000 deaths since 2014.
Rescue ships operated by NGOs have been facing more challenges from EU countries, like being forced to take longer routes to let migrants off and dealing with administrative hurdles.
Clarifying responsibilities for rescue at sea
Critics argue that the pact fails to clarify the responsibilities of states in terms of rescue at sea and support for organizations aiding shipwrecked people.
They worry that some countries may continue obstructing rescue operations, making boat routes longer, and criminalizing NGOs.
The pact also establishes a system of detention for irregular arrivals, raising concerns about the conditions and duration of such detentions.
Potential impact of new search and rescue zones
The EU has recently struck migration agreements with Egypt and Mauritania, joining Turkey, Libya, and Tunisia in controlling migration flows.
However, concerns have been raised about the practices and human rights records of some of these countries.
Critics worry that giving search and rescue zones to these countries might make rescue missions in the Mediterranean confusing.
This could mean migrants end up in even more danger, facing more violence, threats, and exploitation from smugglers.
Navigating new migration rules
The new EU migration pact might affect people who want to travel to the Schengen Area.
Starting in mid-2025, travelers from countries that do not need visas will have to get something an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before they travel. This travel authorization checks travelers before they enter the Schengen Zone to make it safer.
People planning to stay in the Schengen Area for a long time, like families, investors, digital nomads, and students, might have to go through more checks.
The pact focuses on stopping irregular migration, so some types of travelers might face tougher checks.
Reshaping immigration policies
The migration pact might make EU countries rethink their immigration rules to fit with the new plan.
Even though the ETIAS system is for short-term travelers, countries might also look at their rules for people staying longer, like skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students.
Countries at the forefront of migration might make it harder for certain groups to enter or have tougher checks.
However, the pact’s voluntary solidary mechanisms could encourage countries to think about new legal migration pathways, considering both safety and the economy.
A delicate balance
As the new EU migration pact moves toward implementation, the concerns raised by NGOs, experts, and Mediterranean countries highlight the need for a balanced approach.
Addressing irregular migration flows while upholding humanitarian principles and ensuring safe and orderly migration remains a complex challenge for the European Union.