The Med5 meeting of the interior ministers of Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, as well as the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration and the Frontex Executive Director, concluded in Naples with a joint declaration signed by the ministers. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi highlighted the need to strengthen Frontex and combat human traffickers. He also stressed the importance of assisted voluntary returns and called for increased funding and a common strategy to address these issues. Piantedosi defended the transfer of irregular migrants to Albania, stating that they were considered dangerous individuals with criminal backgrounds.
The joint declaration signed by the Med5 ministers reaffirmed their commitment to developing a common political vision on key issues of the European migration agenda. They expressed support for the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and called for immediate and unconditional funding to fulfill its obligations. The ministers demanded increased allocations for asylum, migration, and border management in the upcoming financial framework, recognizing the heavy burdens faced by frontline Member States in managing external borders for the benefit of the entire Union.
The Med5 ministers emphasized the importance of human rights in addressing irregular migration and called for innovative solutions in line with EU and international law. They stressed the significance of an effective return policy for a well-functioning asylum system and the integrity of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. The ministers welcomed the European Commission’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the return process through common standards and called for a specific initiative on assisted voluntary returns from third countries of transit to migrants’ countries of origin.
Spanish Minister Grande-Marlaska underscored the critical role of human rights as a cornerstone of the European Union’s values. He emphasized the need for safe and dignified living conditions for communities and individuals in their countries of origin. Grande-Marlaska also highlighted the importance of transparency and European institutions’ views on migrant centers in Albania. The Med5 ministers called on the European Commission to launch an initiative on assisted voluntary returns from third countries and organize an international conference on the issue.
Overall, the Med5 meeting focused on strengthening Frontex, combating human traffickers, promoting assisted voluntary returns, and ensuring the respect of human rights in addressing irregular migration. The ministers acknowledged the challenges faced by frontline Member States in managing external borders and called for increased funding to fulfill the obligations of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. They highlighted the significance of effective return policies, common standards for return management, and innovative solutions in line with EU and international law to address migration issues.
