The President of the Party of European Socialists Sergei Stanishev has expressed his support for the Italian Government’s ‘Migration compact’, which would extend Europe’s external action on migration outside of its own borders by enhancing cooperation mainly with African partners.

Under the compact, African countries would be given assistance to manage migratory and refugee flows. Such assistance would consist of helping the establishment of reception systems and in managing migratory flows including on-site screening of refugees and economic migrants, coupled with resettlement measures for those in need of protection and returns for irregular migrants.

It is necessary to secure the EU’s external borders to reduce manage migratory flows towards Europe. Under this approach the EU would take on a coordinating role and step up its cooperation with third countries.

Sergei Stanishev, PES President said:

“People have a fundamental right to seek asylum but under the current system many are risking their lives to do so. By stabilizing and investing in fragile states in Africa, Prime Minister Renzi aims to prevent that people attempt the dangerous passage to Europe by dealing with requests earlier in the journey. This will contribute to Europe’s fight against human trafficking and the networks responsible for smuggling migrants.”

“At the same time it is important to concentrate the political and financial commitment of the EU and its member States to promote a real development and opportunities in third countries in order to let people to find a real chance of improving living standards at home, of having jobs and creating the conditions of a decent life”.

According to Stanishev, Matteo Renzi’s suggestion to help build up coherent asylum systems in Africa is a good and welcome one, as respecting international standards is vital. In the first instance people in need should be offered protection on the spot. More opportunities also need to be created for legal migration such as entry quotas for workers, information on job opportunities in Europe as well as pre-departure measures such as language training, and allowing migrants to properly integrate into their host Member States in Europe.

Party of European Socialists (PES)
http://www.pes.eu/