Debate: Preparation of the European Council meeting of - June  – Relaunch of the Malta Declaration and the use of an effective solidarity mechanism
Date: WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 2021
Speaker: Ana Paula Zacarias
Language: EN

Recovery from the COVID—19 pandemic, both in the EU and worldwide, continues to be at the top of the agenda. Our recent agreement on the EU Digital COVID Certificate marks certainly an important step towards a safe return to free movement. Leaders will now discuss what remains to be done in terms of coordination to enable, within and into the EU, travel. Leaders will also address the external dimension of COVID—19 recovery and also the emergence of new variants. International solidarity remains key. The EU will continue to play its leading role as a vaccine producer, exporter and contributor to COVAX. But recovery from the COVID—19 pandemic also means economic recovery. Leaders will take stock of the implementation of the Next Generation EU, including national recovery and resilience plans. The timely submission and efficient implementation of these plans is crucial for Member States to fully benefit from the potential of the Recovery and Resilience Facility to boost the economy, social cohesion, digital and climate transition. And migration, after a long period of absence, returns to the agenda, in particular its external dimension, as leaders will discuss cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Recent developments on certain routes have been a cause for concern, and it will be important to make concrete progress in our cooperation with different partners. At the same time, the Council rejects any attempt by third countries to instrumentalise migrants for political purposes. To prevent loss of life and reduce the pressure on EU borders, we need to tackle the root causes of migration while continuing to work towards safe, orderly and regular migration and providing international protection for those who need it. In addition, it is essential to strengthen efforts to shut down smuggling and trafficking networks, improve border management and ensure voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns and readmission. Beyond European Council preparations, I note that you also included in this debate the question of the Malta Declaration and solidarity. The declaration was a way of addressing disembarkations of migrants rescued at sea in the absence of a permanent mechanism for handling these situations. It facilitated transfers from Italy and Malta to Germany and France, but has remained an intergovernmental tool limited to those four Member States. However, other Member States, including my own, Portugal, have agreed to relocate on a voluntary basis applicants for international protection following disembarkations in Italy and Malta, and the voluntary relocation scheme from Greece has to date been joined by more than a dozen Member States and associated countries. In any case, we’re going to continue our efforts in trying to find a permanent solution based on solidarity and on shared responsibilities and that will enable us to replace this ad hoc handling of these situations. Further work is requested. So during their meeting, the leaders will further discuss EU external relations. As announced in March, leaders will discuss EU relations with Turkey, including the financial support for refugees. Leaders will reiterate their readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate but reversible manner, while underlining that Turkey has obligations to respect democracy, the rule of law, human rights and women’s rights. During the working dinner, the leaders will also return to relations with Russia on the basis of the Commission and High Representative’s report. The European Council will take stock of the progress made in implementing its decision from May with regard to Belarus. Leaders will also touch upon other recent international developments in Africa. In the end of their meeting on Friday and in the margins of the European Council, leaders will be joined by the President of the ECB and the Eurogroup for a Euro Summit in inclusive format. Thank you very much for your attention.