Speech in plenary on the refugee situation in Europe
Mr President, during the last week the refugee finally got a name, an identity and a story. Through a picture we have realised that behind each and every one of the dead refugees and migrants there are dreams and aspirations and loved ones left behind. It is our European decency that lies lifeless on the Turkish beach together with Aylan Kurdi, the three-year old toddler in his red T-shirt and small sneakers. He lost his life but he brought passion – and compassion – back to the European debate on migration and therefore we will remember him for a very long time.
After the recent tragedies, my heart fills with pride when I see citizens all across Europe taking to the streets to welcome refugees into their communities. They have shown much more backbone and humanity during the past week than most of our politicians have done over the past decade. Citizens show us what Europe and European values really are all about and what Europe can be at its best. Yet still we hear some voices among the leaders of the Member States complaining about illegal migrants.
I must admit that I am quite fed up with that rhetoric by now because how is anyone fleeing war or persecution supposed to get to Europe to seek asylum since it is us, the EU, that do not allow people to apply for asylum in our embassies or consulates? It is us, the EU, which introduced a directive on carrier liability that makes it completely illegal for any airline or shipping company to take on board anybody that does not have a visa. This is a vicious circle, a Catch-22 situation, and we are responsible for changing it.
We must review the existing asylum legislation in Europe and adapt it to this century to provide for legal and safe routes to get here. We must agree to a system of binding quotas of refugees to be accepted by every Member State, and my Group is, of course, all in favour of the proposals by the Commission. This is a defining moment for Europe and our best days are yet to come.
