ASTI Reacts to EU Refugee Accord: No Real Solution

ASTI has commented on the recent EU agreement on migration, claiming that what has been proposed offers no real solution.

Yesterday, on Friday 29 June, the topic of European Council's conclusions on migration and asylum was widespread in the news. ASTI has suggested, however, that whilst there was an agreement, it will be at a cost. 

"Controlling borders", "curbing migration" and "ensuring quick returns" have featured among the key words of the conclusions of the 28 EU Heads of State and Government. Conclusions which, at the beginning of the Joint Declaration, supposedly recalled the need for a "comprehensive approach" and which, in the end, "underline the need to reach a speedy solution" on a new Common European Asylum System. 

Nevertheless, according to ASTI, the agreement offers no concrete solution beyond the protection of borders and the pre-determination of "good" and "bad" migrants. And even in these matters, the association has explained that agreement rests, for the most part, on the good will of those who will be willing to implement it. Instead, ASTI has recommended taking a global approach, which supposes the development of legal channels of immigration and asylum.

The association has also urged the creation of a real humanitarian visa programme for people seeking protection in Europe. Resettlement mechanisms, family reunification and the opening up of real legal possibilities for entry into the European Union for low-skilled workers are other solutions which ASTI believes require strengthening.

Finally, the association has emphasised the need for sustainable and fair solutions in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.