The European Union’s Response

Abstract

In May 2015, the EU Commission President proposed mandatory relocation within the EU of 40,000 potential seekers arriving in Greece and Italy and resettling throughout the EU 20,000 refugees from outside. However, in July 2015, the EU Council decided on voluntary relocation of only 32,000 asylum-seekers and to take 22,000 from outside the EU. Later, it decided to accept another 100,000 asylum-seekers [with Greece ensuring their temporary accommodation and screening]. Its agreement on recognising integrated border control as a shared responsibility was followed by the creation of the European Border and Coastal Guard. The EU also made a controversial [migrant/refugee exchange] deal with Turkey to stem the inflows. In November 2016, it adopted Valetta Action Plan, aiming at closer partnership with the origin countries [to address the root causes of irregular migration], and soon thereafter the Malta Declaration to provide support to Italy by ensuring greater stability in Libya, a key transit country.