Brussels, 02/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - The proponents of the European Commission-backed EuroMed Migration III project say that the European Union and its partner countries from the southern shore of the Mediterranean have taken “a new step” in asylum policy.
This step is one of having to address the growing challenge of refugees flows, and the same theme was the focus of a meeting in Brussels on 18-19 February, in which the Commission, EU member states and Southern Mediterranean countries took part - as well as the international bodies dealing with this challenge (including the UNHCR and the European Asylum Support Office - EASO) and representatives from civil society.
According to a EuroMed Migration III press release, consensus was found on the need for common dialogue and better coordination, and the participants at the meeting were convinced that the challenges must be addressed at their root. This implies “better combining humanitarian action and public development aid by taking account both of the people displaced and the host communities”. The idea of “developing planning exercises for joint intervention” between all the parties concerned from the North and South was raised. The Commission reiterated its commitment to supporting these efforts. EuroMed Migration III was created in 2003 and has thus far benefitted from an EU contribution of €5 million. (Fati B'Chir)