In Strasbourg on Tuesday, 8 March, MEPs commended the efforts of Member States, particularly those bordering Ukraine, to welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees and called on European institutions to give them more support.
Some MEPs also insisted on the need to not discriminate against anyone, while others were troubled that the European response has not been the same across all areas where refugees have been arriving.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson discussed the situation in the countries bordering Ukraine—including Poland, which yet again welcomed more than 100,000 people over the course of that day—with MEPs. Nearly 2 million Ukrainians have arrived in the EU since 24 February, “the same number as the European Union received during 2015 and 2016 together,” pointed out the commissioner.
Ylva Johansson also noted the “historic moment” that activating the 2001 Temporary Protection Directive represents. The European Commission will soon present guidelines to support the application of this directive, specifically by providing information on offers to receive refugees in the Member States and the capacity of their reception facilities, and to coordinate the response.
The commissioner also reminded her audience that they have a duty to let everyone, no matter where they come from, into the EU. “[T]his is what is happening. [...] Don’t believe Putin’s lies. If you are running from Putin’s war, you are welcome here”, declared the commissioner, explaining that, to date, 130,000 third-country nationals had entered the EU—among them, Nigerians, Turks, and Indians. The commissioner also expressed her belief that host countries “are doing their best” and showing “impressive solidarity”.
Various calls to Frontex and the Agency for Asylum
Alongside newly announced financial aid (see related article), the commissioner also gave MEPs an update on the requests submitted by some Member States for support from Frontex or the European Union Agency for Asylum.
Romania has requested assistance from the European Union Agency for Asylum to help it implement the 2001 directive. As far as Frontex is concerned, 2,600 officers could be deployed, if needed; Romania is expected to receive 162 Frontex officers; Moldova has also requested possible assistance from Frontex. Other Member States are considering these options, the commissioner said.
Ms Johansson also expressed her concern as to the fate of Ukrainian children—who have sometimes arrived alone—who must be protected from networks and traffickers.
Facing her, many MEPs stated that they were proud of the response brought by EU countries, such as Dutch EPP member Jeroen Lenaers, who believes that Europe is “rising to the occasion”. As for Marek Belka, the Polish socialist called on the EU to provide more financial support to Member States.
But for others, such as Dutch MEP Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA), care must be taken to ensure that no one is discriminated against and that no distinction is made on the basis of skin colour or origin. She urged, “All third-country nationals must be protected” the same way.
She added that the 2001 directive may also be affected by its “weaker part”—the voluntary aspect of welcoming refugees—also arguing that all refugees who come to Europe should be treated the same way and receive the same protection.
“Without a doubt, this change of direction in asylum policy is good news”, commented Spanish MEP Sira Rego (The Left). “This shows that where there is a will, there is a way; we can create legal ways to migrate to Europe. This shows that another approach to the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’ is possible”, she added, nevertheless lamenting that the 2001 directive does not cover foreign students.
As for Jadwiga Wiśniewska, the Polish ECR MEP called on the EU to release recovery funds for her country, which “needs aid that is much more concrete”, and criticised her colleagues who want to “pass a resolution to block these funds”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)