Following the European Parliament's adoption of a resolution on migratory 'flows' in the Mediterranean in light of the Lampedusa tragedy, GUE/NGL MEP Marie-Christine Vergiat has commented:

“I welcome the adoption of this text which was the result of difficult negotiations between the political groups.

“Member states must in particular take responsibility and take action to save lives at sea, to open additional safe legal channels of migration to the EU, to ensure access to asylum and to deliver humanitarian visas for those fleeing crises or conflict zones. Above all, member states must respect their obligation of non-refoulement.

“This will not happen by increasing the Frontex budget, there needs to be clear and binding rules that ensures Frontex respects fundamental rights.

“It is high time that all member states show more solidarity to each other and to neighbourhood countries, in particular the southern ones. I deeply regret the adoption of an EPP (centre-right) amendment that supports setting up reinforced police cooperation between the EU and third countries as well as the possibility of setting up a new Frontex operational office in the Mediterranean region.”

“The GUE/NGL hopes that Council and Parliament will soon find a good agreement on the Commission's proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders.

“We can't let the Mediterranean be turned into a graveyard for the hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers each year who try to reach the EU in search of a better life.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group