SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 7 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
Etienne de Perier, representative of the European Migration Agency of the European Commission (EC) has stated this Thursday that it is studying giving economic funds to the Canary Islands to care for unaccompanied migrant minors, even if asylum resources are intended for adults or adults. with minors.
In a speech before the immigration study commission of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, he commented that this matter “is not closed” because there are also “legal difficulties” derived from the fact that the powers belong to the regions, but he understands that “help concrete” because “dignified reception is a priority for the funds”.
In parallel, he has urged the Spanish government to develop a “national policy” and promotes the distribution of minors in its territory because the situation in the Canary Islands is “concerning”, with almost 3,000 under its guardianship.
He has said that the goal is for the new Pact on Migration and Asylum to be in place in 2024 with the end of the current Legislature, given that right now the negotiations are blocked by the “lack of confidence” of the member states.
The EC is working on a new model that seeks to improve the migration management system, respecting the rights of people and distinguishing between refugees and migrants, with the aim of “restoring confidence” and launching a “sustainable system”, he pointed out. .
He has pointed out that a “more equitable distribution of responsibility and solidarity” must be achieved and each state must “contribute in times of need” by promoting the return from third countries.
Likewise, he has said that it is necessary to have a “holistic vision of migration” because “no region can manage it alone” and undertake “more investment” in development in the countries of origin to reduce migratory pressure and increase legal quotas.
THE WAR IN UKRAINE CHANGES THE FOCUS
Regarding Frontex, he has commented that it has not yet entered into operation with its new regulations but has specified that its operation is to accompany the national police when ships arrive at ports and always respecting the rights of people.
Regarding the countries of origin and arrival, he has indicated that “it is normal” to cooperate with Morocco, which at the same time must comply with human rights, and has advanced that new agreements are being negotiated with Senegal or Mauritania so that there is “co-responsibility” against human trafficking and work to find legal pathways to migration.
De Perier also commented that the war in Ukraine “has changed the focus of attention” in the European Council because a temporary reception mechanism has been applied but “it remains to be seen if it affects the pact” given that now the frontline countries of the refugees are from the East, which shows that “solidarity” is needed between European countries.
In this sense, he commented that with the management of migrations and refugees “the effectiveness” of the EU is at stake.
