PN welcomes EU’s migration plan: ‘Translate words into action’

The Nationalist Party has welcomed the agreement reached by the 28 leaders of the European Union to try and cut off the migratory route from Libya into Europe, through a deal signed between the North African country and Italy and the disbursement of €200 million from the EU.

Libya's UN-backed government will receive €200 million including funding to reinforce its coastguard.

Despite Libya being on the brink of becoming a failed state, with the UN-backed Government of National Accord failing to hold effective power on ground, the EU hopes Libya will be better able to disrupt people-smuggling networks and turn back migrant boats.

Many human rights groups have voiced concern at the EU’s strategy, reminding leaders that asylum seekers and refugees are repeatedly tortured, abused and exploited in Libya.

“Yesterday's summit in Malta is to be welcomed, but it must be more than just another 10-point plan. It is high time that words are translated into concrete action,” the Nationalist Party said on Saturday morning.

The Maltese Opposition cautioned the governments in not giving citizens the impression that the plan can solve everything.

“Things will not change from one day to the next and EU leaders must be careful not to give the impression that any newly issued 10-point plan will provide a quick-fix solution in addressing migration flows from Libya. We have been here before and previous plans have yielded little results,” it said.

According to Rome, it was Libyan prime minister Fayez al-Serraj who requested Italy’s assistance in helping to monitor its land and sea borders. People smuggling in Libya has become a lucrative business for criminals and certain tribes in the south that support them – they can rake in anything between €5 million to €6 million a week through human trafficking.

Brussels has also pledged to support Libya in providing better conditions for migrants at Libyan reception centres and to “support local communities” on migration routes and in coastal areas “to improve their socio-economic situation” – the EU hopes that by providing financial support, the tribes won’t have to resort to working with criminals.

“It is only with a functioning Libyan State that the EU will ever have a proper chance to agree together on enhanced cooperation to sustainably and safely manage migration flows, defeat terror, destroy trafficking networks’ business models and ultimately save lives,” the PN said.

“This is a lengthy process and there are many steps yet to be taken before there are proper functioning State apparatus in Libya.”

The PN added: “Any long-term approach to saving more lives in the Mediterranean must therefore involve cooperation with all safe Mediterranean States, including Libya. But the situation in Libya remains precarious at present.

“The EU must stand ready to help be part of the solution. It has a crucial role in helping with aid and expertise in helping Libya to build up their border management, their asylum systems, improve their law enforcement capabilities and help in its fight against terrorism.”

With elections round the corner in key European countries like Germany, France and the Netherlands, incumbent leaders want to fend off an increasing Eurosceptic electorate demanding action on irregular migration.