Protecting borders and managing migration

“Fair with those in need of protection, firm with those who do not, and harsh with those who seek to exploit the vulnerable”

The new law on the European Border and Coast Guard will better protect the Union’s external borders, which means a safer continent for our citizens. Europe needs to be able to effectively manage its external borders, ensure that returns are effected more efficiently and provide for enhanced security within the Union.

This was the message of Roberta Metsola, Member of the European Parliament for Malta and Gozo, in a speech she gave during the Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions in Brussels. MEP Metsola was invited as one of the main guest speakers to discuss the Metsola Report, which focuses on a new legislation enhancing the European Border and Coast Guard. The Committee for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on the Metsola Report next Monday evening in Strasbourg, after negotiations led by MEP Metsola with other MEPs from different political groups, as well as stakeholders in Malta and across Europe.

MEP Metsola said that it is clear that there is the need for a more effective control of the EU’s external borders. “The role of the Border Guards must be further strengthened through increased resources and an enhanced mandate,” said Metsola, who is pushing forward the introduction of a standing corps of 10,000 operation staff to support Member States.

MEP Metsola acknowledged that security is one of the primary concern of citizens, and that people expect the European Union to deliver on this concern. “In order to continue to preserve Schengen and free movement between Member States, there must be mutual trust between Member States and the external borders which must be secured,” said MEP Metsola.

On migration, Roberta Metsola explained that her position has always been clear, and that Europe needs a holistic, balanced approach that takes into consideration legitimate security concerns, but at the same time also moral obligations in putting humanity first in equal measure. “We must be fair with those in need of protection, firm with those who do not, and harsh with those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable,” underlined Roberta Metsola.

MEP Metsola concluded: “Migration is above all a human issue, and we can never lose sight of the fact that behind every statistic, lies a life, dreams and hope for a better future. Never forget that.”