Presidency welcomes Commission proposals on migration

On 4 May 2011, the Commission made a proposal on adopting a comprehensive EU approach for tackling the challenges and exploiting possible opportunities arising from migration. The initiative which touches on several issues, such as strengthening border control and the Schengen governance, the completion of the Common European Asylum System, more targeted legal immigration, the promotion of the successful integration of immigrants, and the cooperation with third countries.

Refuge and solidarity

According to the Commission’s communication, the EU must live up to its vocation, to offer a haven to those who are in need of protection, and at the same time, show solidarity both with the countries in North Africa which are sheltering the vast bulk of the migrants from Libya, as well as with those Member States who are faced with the greatest influx of migrants arriving by sea. The communication points out that efficient border control is also needed and that irregular immigrants should be returned. So far, about 650,000 people have had to leave their homes due to the violence in Libya. So, the number of asylum seekers who have already arrived in Europe – mainly in Italy and Malta – is low, but more than 25,000 have decided to seek a better life in the EU.

Internal border control would be re-established in case of an extraordinary situation

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, said it was clear that the EU would benefit from some targeted labour immigration, which would ease the shortage of workers in certain industries and help resolve problems, which are caused by the shrinking population of skilled active age Europeans. Ms Malmström added that under very exceptional circumstances – for instance, where a part of the external border comes under heavy and unexpected pressure – may make it necessary to re-establish an internal border control to a limited extent.

Long-term solutions needed

The Hungarian Presidency warned that in its meeting in February and April, the Justice and Home Affairs Council adopted rapid actions, and expressed solidarity by receiving refugees on a voluntary basis.

The Hungarian Presidency believes that in addition to the short-term measures taken so far, long-term solutions are still needed. These may affect the present legal framework of EU cooperation, in justice and home affairs matters, including certain types of migration, the refugee situation, border control, cooperation under Schengen and visa control.

The Presidency’s ambition is for competent ministers from Member States, to achieve a consensus as early as possible, following  a transparent political debate. Hungary hopes that the cooperation between Member States can again defuse tensions, without damaging the Community acquis.