The EU has experienced an unprecedented influx of migrants over the last few years. 74% of Europeans want the EU to do more to manage the situation, according to the latest Eurobarometer poll commissioned by the European Parliament. In addition two thirds of respondents said EU action on migration was insufficient. Read on to discover what measures the European Parliament is working on.
What Parliament is working on
In March MEPs adopted a report on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration.
The civil liberties committee approved on 30 May the European Commission’s proposal to introduce a standard EU travel document for migrants.
On 6 July MEPs voted in favour of creating an EU border control system that will bring together the EU’s border agency Frontex and national border management authorities.
The Commission is proposing an EU common list of safe countries of origin to fast-track applications from people that come from countries that are considered safe. The proposal has to be approved by Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force.
French S&D member Sylvie Guillaume, who is in charge of steering the proposal through Parliament, said: “The methodology for designating or reviewing a country as safe country of origin has also been greatly improved. A consultation process is now included to enable third parties, such as EASO, UNHCR or NGOs to take part in the Commission’s task of monitoring the EU common list.”
About the survey
The Eurobarometer survey was conducted among 27,969 people from all EU countries on 9-18 April and was set up to be representative of the population as a whole.
Across the EU 74% of correspondents wanted the EU to do more on migration compared to 74% in Ireland and 68% in the UK.
source: europarl.europa.eu
photo: ©AP Images/ European Union-EP
