The EU must agree the rather limited migrant relocation plan proposed today by the European Commission, said the European Trade Union Confederation.
Although limited to 20,000 people, and despite possible opt-outs for some EU member states, the scale of situation in the Mediterranean makes a relocation plan absolutely necessary.
“The Commission has boosted its leadership credentials by proposing a European-wide relocation plan” said Luca Visentini, ETUC Confederal Secretary. “At least the European Commission is trying to promote an EU response to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.”
“It is disappointing that the plan does not address the need for increased efforts to save lives at sea including to widen the mandate of Frontex for search and rescue.”
“EU member states should strengthen, and not water-down, these proposals” said Visentini. “I urge all EU member states to fully participate and to not to take up opt-outs.”
The ETUC also supports the proposed talks between European and African countries to tackle the crisis, but warns that hopes of cooperation with Libya is unrealistic.
