Mediterranean ministers discuss EU migration policies

The interior ministers of the five Mediterranean countries, the frontline of mass migration to Europe, are meeting in Greece to discuss EU policies as the bloc works towards a new migration agreement.

The ministers of Italy, Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Greece are to arrive in Athens for talks on 20 March in the evening of 19 March. The five formed the “Made 5” group last year in an effort to create a united front within the European Union.

Southern European countries with extensive coastal areas have borne the brunt of the arrival of refugees hoping to enter the European Union. Most Europe-bound migrants traveled by boat on dangerous maritime smuggling routes, either from the Turkish coast to the nearby Greek islands or from North Africa across the Mediterranean Sea. Thousands of people have died in the ships.

Greek migration minister Notices Mitrachi said that all five countries “consider it [EU’s] The new migration and asylum pact must indeed ensure a balance between de-dimo responsibility that remains at the forefront of member-state migration issues, and our allies in the European Union must show solidarity. “

Five countries have long called for more equal distribution to asylum seekers, making it to Europe, with other EU members accepting new arrivals.

“We will carry out our responsibilities as the first reception countries. All the remaining member states should support us on the issue of equitable distribution of migrants, ”Mr. Mitterach said during a press conference earlier this week.

The minister said that there should be “basic reforms” on the European Commission’s initial proposals for a new migration agreement of the European Union.

He said, “Our countries cannot protect borders, and especially in border areas, and investigate inconsistent applications, and provide protection to vulnerable people, and who are not entitled to international security, and recognition. Receives integrate refugees, ”.