The European Parliament commends the efforts of civil society groups and individuals across Europe who are organizing in large numbers to welcome and assist refugees and migrants.
Members of Parliament state that “such actions are evidence of genuine adherence to European values and send a message of hope for the future of Europe.”
Welcoming the new proposals from the European Commission to manage the unprecedented influx of migrants and refugees, the Members expressed their readiness to work on legislative proposals to develop a solid migration and asylum policy for the future. This affirmation was made in a resolution adopted on Thursday.
Having adopted the previous day the emergency proposal to relocate 40,000 asylum seekers among EU countries, the Members praised the new emergency relocation proposal for an increased number of asylum seekers from Greece, Italy, and Hungary [the Commission proposes the number of 120,000], as well as the permanent mechanism amending the Dublin Regulation, which determines which Member State is responsible for processing asylum applications.
The Members want a “fair and mandatory distribution key” and wish for the integration prospects, specific cases, and the needs of the asylum seekers themselves to be taken into account. The Parliament expresses its intention to push forward its work on all legislative projects “in such a way that Member States do not delay the establishment of the permanent redistribution mechanism.”
Resettlement and humanitarian visas. The Parliament wants Member States to take in refugees from third countries through a mandatory resettlement program. It places high importance on ensuring that the EU and its Member States establish “safe and legal avenues for refugees,” including corridors and humanitarian visas. Members believe it is necessary to amend the EU visa code to include “more specific common provisions on humanitarian visas.” They urge Member States to ensure that it is possible to apply for asylum at their embassies and consulates.
EU-wide list of safe countries of origin. This approach should not threaten the principle of non-refoulement and the right of each individual to asylum, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups, states the resolution.
Asylum-related provisions. Members request that the European common asylum system be properly implemented to ensure the “effective enforcement of common standards” throughout the EU.
The Parliament reaffirms “its commitment to opening borders within the Schengen area” while emphasizing the need to ensure effective management of external borders.
The root causes of migration must also be addressed and should be the main subject of the Valletta summit (Malta) on November 11-12. Rigorous criminal sanctions against human trafficking and smuggling networks are also necessary, the text specifies.
International conference on the refugee crisis. The Parliament calls on the Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, to convene an international conference on the refugee crisis, with the participation of the EU, its Member States, UN agencies, the United States, relevant international NGOs, and Arab states, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive joint humanitarian aid strategy.
