Five Mediterranean countries have agreed to a joint declaration stating that strengthening relations with third countries of origin and transit is “key” to addressing irregular migration.
“We, the Med5 Member States, reaffirm our belief that strengthening the external dimension of the European Union’s migration policy is key to address the challenges posed by irregular migration,” the declaration stated.
Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Spain reached this conclusion at the MED5 summit following a morning meeting between ministers responsible for migration on Saturday in Cottonera at Fort St Angelo.
The plan to work with third countries has come under scrutiny becautilize it involves cooperation with countries like Libya, where human rights abutilizes have been reported, raising concerns about the safety and treatment of migrants.
During the 2015 refugee crisis, the EU was more focutilized on carrying out rescues, but its position has now shifted to preventing crossings from taking place in the first place.
When inquireed whether Europe has lost its morals, European Commissioner Magnus Brunner agreed that ten years ago, Europe took on a lot of responsibility but “did not have any control.” He added that this pact aims to restore the control that was previously absent.
“There’s no contradiction between being firm and fair, and respecting human rights,” he stated.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri replied: “Our position is to save people. If you deserve asylum, you will obtain it. If not, then you will be sent back.”
He added that every sea voyage taken by irregular asylum seekers carries a risk of death, thus, “by working with Libya and preventing crossings, we are also saving lives”.
“Europe must be the one to decide who comes in,” he stated.
Greek right-wing Migration Minister Thanos Plevris stated: “Protecting our borders is our priority. We will continue to protect our citizens and borders.”
The ministers discussed irregular migration. Photo: Mathew MirabelliThe signed declaration
The Med5 member states’ declaration emphasises strengthening the EU’s external migration policy to prevent irregular arrivals, increase returns, and dismantle smuggling networks, including tackling false social media narratives. They also agreed to address root cautilizes by creating job opportunities in migrants’ home countries and establishing legal pathways to the EU aligned with labour necessarys.
The declaration also reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to implementing the EU Migration Pact, including its solidarity mechanism, and welcomed the proposed return regulations, which introduce return hubs – centres outside the EU where member states can deport migrants.
Camilleri praised the importance of this declaration, declareing it gives Mediterranean countries a united stance ahead of the upcoming Home Affairs European Council meeting on December 8.
The Council is set to vote on the establishment of the Annual Solidarity Pool.
Although Malta has called for solidarity for several years, it will not benefit from any aid following a European Commission report that found Malta is not under migratory pressure. This is largely due to the 93 per cent reduction in arrivals between 2019 and 2024, Camilleri stated.
Prior to the meeting, Camilleri stated that Malta still intfinishs to contribute to the solidarity pool. When inquireed how Malta plans to contribute – whether through relocation of migrants, financial contributions, or operational support – he stated: “Discussions are ongoing.”
Spain’s Minister Fernando Grande‑Marlinquirea stressed that solidarity is a “principle that can never be abandoned”, but raised concerns about member states that might not abide by the rules.
Following the publication of the Commission’s report, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic stated they plan to challenge it.
