I wish first of all to thank Minister Klingvall for her kind invitation. I am in Stockholm after meetings in Brussels with President Prodi and several Members of the European Commission, including Mr. Vitorino. I also passed through London, where I had very useful discussions with Mr. Straw. My visit to the European Commission and this meeting of the European Union Ministers for Justice and Ministers for Home Affairs are among my first stops after taking up my responsibilities as High Commissioner. This is intentional.
People fleeing across borders to escape persecution and violence are a sad phenomenon of our world.
They represent a common responsibility not only for the European Union Member States, but also for all Members of the United Nations. As partners, we can be more strategic and comprehensive in our approach. Where a State fails and we face a humanitarian crisis, an emergency response will be necessary. But let us also explore the possibilities for meaningful preventive action in countries of origin and for a serious commitment to building the capacity of refugee hosting countries. Let me offer you the same invitation that I extended to President Prodi.