On the occasion of today’s Council meeting, S&D MEPs call on Heads of State and Government to find a reasonable and fair agreement on a common asylum and migration policy.

 

S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:

 

“The cases of the Aquarius and Lifeline refugee boats have shown dramatically that time is up. We call on European leaders with a great sense of urgency to get back to the table and come to a reasonable and fair agreement on a common asylum and migration policy. The main groups in the European Parliament managed to get together and support the reform of the Dublin system. Now, the 28 Heads of State and Government should do the same and take this bold step. Additionally, the leaders have to agree to open up controlled regular migration channels and increase the support for Africa via a sustainable investment plan. 

 

“We are stunned and worried to see that, despite our repeated calls on President Tusk to ensure a constructive debate, these points are not on the agenda. Today it is not just about external border control. President Tusk cannot fall short of his duty to set the stage for a real solution to the migration challenge, which inevitably includes a fair and transparent relocation of migrants among the member states. 

 

“The question for the EU leaders is this: do you want to follow the path of Orbán, Kurz and Salvini and shy away from solidarity and responsibility or do you want an effective and humane migration system that treats all people with the dignity they deserve, and that is in line with our values? Choose wisely as the future of Europe is at stake.

 

“As Socialists and Democrats we believe that if we act in solidarity, the EU member states are more than capable to take humanitarian responsibility for children, women and men who flee torture, hunger and death. The Parliament’s proposals would ensure that the responsibility for protecting refugees is managed in a fair and transparent way between all countries. We have fought to ensure that families will not be separated and that more is done to help refugees integrate into their new societies. It is now urgent that national leaders stop burying their heads in the sand and endorse the proposals we have put forward.” 

 

 

MEPs involved
Coordinator
Germany