Roberta Metsola appointed rapporteur on asylum policies

Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola has been appointed as the European Parliament's rapporteur on four separate reports related to the European Asylum Support Office's (EASO) and its role with associated European Union Member States.

"It is a huge honour for me, as one of six Maltese MEPs, to have been appointed to this important role. EASO has a crucial role to play in the EU's asylum policy and we must continue to work to strengthen its aims and help the Agency achieve its objectives. The conclusion of these reports will see EASO cooperate further with different countries and aid in its role in working on asylum issues for all Member States," Metsola said.

The EASO regulation outlines that legal arrangements shall be made, specifying in particular the nature, extent and manner in which Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are able to participate in EASO's work.

The conclusion of the four 'Metsola Reports' are the final step in the process before the four countries can participate further in EASO's work.

EASO's seat was established in Malta in 2011 with the aim of enhancing practical cooperation on asylum matters and helping Member States fulfill their European and international asylum obligations. It has a fundamental part to play in supporting Member States whose asylum and reception systems are under particular pressure.

"The participation of these associate countries in EASO's work will add an important dimension to the Agency's role. In particular, we will see an increase in the sharing of expertise and information gathering capabilities of the Agency. I look forward to working on the reports and I am confident that we will be able to conclude the Arrangements on the countries' modalities of their participation in the European Asylum Support Office as soon as possible," Metsola said.

The reports are expected to be decided upon before the end of the current legislature in May 2014.