Abela warns EU states of instability in Mediterranean region

Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela participated in the Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council in Riga Latvia, where EU Home Affairs ministers discussed measures aimed at further enhancing the fight against terrorism and the phenomenon of foreign fighters.

Abela emphasized the need for more information exchange between member states and the better use of existing tools to rapidly trace firearms.

He also referred to the recent terrorist attack that occurred at the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, Libya, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to counter terrorism.

“Instability in the Mediterranean leads to a threat for European security,” he said.

Abela said Malta was open to discuss necessary actions on the Schengen Code, but no rushed decision should be taken.

Over lunch, ministers discussed migration flows particularly in view of the challenges posed by the emerging trend of smugglers using larger vessels such as ships to transport migrants.   Abela emphasized Malta’s role in search and rescue and stressed the need for EU states to work together on this issue, as well as on the return of irregular migrants. He also underlined the need for relocation of beneficiaries of protection.