A common migration policy - the role of Frontex - Main contents

in Nieuws

Let us be frank and open. As Frontex is a coordinating agency, we cannot expect it to stop the influx of irregular migrants in and of itself, nor to put an end to the trafficking in human beings. Frontex is not (and never will be) a panacea to all the problems caused by irregular migration.

At the very end: It is simple - the EU border security is the ultimate responsibility of all Member States and border controls must be operated in a spirit of sharing responsibilities and solidarity between Member States.

Over the past years we have been facing a genuine paradox: One could hear Member States inviting Frontex to stop the flow of irregular migrants immediately and to deploy as much equipment as possible.

However, the Centralised Record of Available Technical Equipment (CRATE) is just a virtual record. The assets on this list belong to the Member States and they are subject to their will to deploy them. Clearly, we could debate the will of a number of Member States!

And as for the financial perspective, if Frontex were to deploy all the equipment, its budget would evaporate immediately.

Therefore, the main question to be answered - is whether Council and Commission are indeed ready to extend the principle of 'compulsory solidarity' obliging Member States to deliver? So, a mandatory solidarity mechanism?

Over the past years Member States have repeatedly reaffirmed the importance of ensuring full respect for international Human Rights obligations in managing migration. Member States underlined the importance of European solidarity and burden sharing as the founding principles.

Yet too often effective decision-making is hamstrung by the inability of the Member States to work together in their mutual interest.

Would you agree that the time for words is past and the time for action has come??

Woudn't you agree that in a world marked by increasing regional conflicts and a growing gap between rich and poor - mobility will increase rather than diminish?

Isn't it high time indeed - to put ourselves in a position to respond to that challenge with a radical, yet responsible, revision of our views on what is supposed to be a common migration policy!