Spain and France should not treat migration as someone else’s problem

During today’s debate on Europe’s migration and asylum policy, ALDE Group leader Guy Verhofstadt has called on Member States to support the proposals of the European Commission.

“The outright refusal of France and Spain to consider the Commission’s proposal for refugee quotas is very disappointing. The immigration crisis is not an Italian or Maltese problem, it is a European problem. We have to work together and show solidarity.”

“We should not only focus on sinking the boats of the smugglers, but also tackle the root causes, by removing the incentives to undertake the dangerous journey to Europe. This can be done by creating safe havens near the conflict areas and giving asylum seekers the possibility to apply for humanitarian visas in our embassies abroad.”

“Just like the US, Canada and Australia, Europe needs a policy on legal immigration. We need a functioning blue card which gives access to the European market for people with a work contract.”

Cecilia Wikström, ALDE coordinator on the Civil Liberties committee also underlined her support for the Commission`s ambitious efforts:

“The Juncker-Commission has presented a very ambitious migration program, which we in the Parliament have demanded and waited for a long time. Now, with these concrete proposals on the table it is time for the Council to show decisiveness and solidarity.”

“I agree with the European Commission that it is time for a European quota system that distributes asylum seekers between Member States. The system must be flexible and take into account people’s individual situations, for example, holding together a family. In this way we can maintain a common EU system that follows the rule of law and where all applicants get an equal evaluation, while all Member States take their share of the humanitarian responsibility.“