The need for immediate promotion of a coherent, rigorous and binding European framework for the management of migration and to enhance the effectiveness of the mechanism of returning illegal immigrants was pointed out by the 1st Vice President of the House and Lassithi MP, Giannis Plakiotakis.
Chairing, at the joint meeting of members of the Special Standing Committee on European Affairs and the Standing Committee on Public Administration, Public Order and Justice of the House, where the new proposal for the European Parliament and the Council for the establishment of a common system of reimbursement of third -country nationals was discussed. Mr. Plakiotakis said that “At present, the EU return policy fails. Our societies cannot and will not tolerate that“, Explaining that only 1 in 5 illegal immigrants eventually leave the EU.
At the same time, Mr. Plakiotakis called on the responsible Minister of Immigration and Asylum Maki Voridis to organize a new meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the legal routes of immigration and recall of workers that will fill the huge gaps in the agricultural sector and the tourism sector.
«Europe is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges related to security, global competitiveness and confidence of our citizens. Migration is a central part of this broader image. Our citizens are waiting for us a more effective management of it“, Noted by the First Vice President of Parliament to add:”Reforming returns is an essential element of EU efforts to reform the migration management system. It is a key part of the migration and asylum pact. This regulation proposes a common and truly European return system. This means consistent rules and procedures in all Member States. To make returns faster, simpler and more predictable. A European return order is established. To make it clear that a mandate for abandoning a Member State means an order to abandon the EU.».
At the same time, Mr. Plakiotakis said: “When people without the right to stay in the EU, the credibility of our entire immigration policy is undermined».
In addition, a few days ago, the European Commission approved a proposal to designate seven countries as’safe countries“, Thus allowing rapid handling and possible asylum application. Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia are included in the list of safe countries across the EU. In addition to these seven, the Commission also considers countries as candidates for EU accession. Like Turkey and Georgia, safe.
He also referred to the importance of cooperation with Turkey, stressing that the effective and reliable cooperation at institutional and operational level for the management of migratory flows must be highlighted as a priority.
Christos Bokas