The first conference of MED9 interior ministers organised under the Croatian Presidency was held in Rovinj on Monday 18 May, in the presence of European Commissioners Magnus Brunner, responsible for Home Affairs and Migration, and Dubravka Šuica, responsible for the Mediterranean.
Bringing together Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia, the group examined the security challenges specific to the Mediterranean region, in particular the fight against illegal migration, the management of the EU’s external borders and the management of drug trafficking.
Participants first discussed the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and its solidarity mechanism, with less than a month to go before its full entry into force. Also discussed were the Commission’s proposal for a common European return system, the strengthening of Frontex’s mandate and increased cooperation with partner countries under the ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’.
At the press conference following the meeting, Mr Brunner praised the pioneering role of Croatia, which deployed the entry/exit system (EES) on 1 March. Referring to the results of the first six months of operation of the system (see EUROPE 13869/9), he stressed the importance of its implementation for European security.
At a time when the rate of return of third-country nationals subject to an obligation to leave European territory has only reached a quarter of the orders issued in 2024, the Commission is urging the rapid adoption of a new regulation in this area. “Migration cooperation must be linked more closely to the different possibilities and leverage we have as a European Union, visa policy, trade policy, development assistance”, argued Mr Brunner.
For her part, Ms Šuica emphasised the financial aspect, pointing out that the Commission has proposed doubling European investment under the Multiannual Financial Framework to stabilise the Mediterranean and support border control by partner countries. She pointed out that the aim of this funding was not to isolate the company, but to control flows: “because Europe is not a fortress, but [anyone] who wants to come to Europe has to and can come only in a legal way or regular way”, she maintained. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)