Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on
Wednesday welcomed the European Commission's proposed new Pact
on Migration and Asylum to replace the current system based on
the Dublin Regulation.
Under the Dublin Regulation, migrants must register in the EU
country where they arrive..
Successive Italian governments have been trying for years to get
the Dublin rule changed, saying it puts an unfair burden on
Italy in managing migrants.
Italy is the most exposed country to migration across the
central Mediterranean due to its geographical position.
"The Migration Pact is an important step towards a truly EU
migration policy," Conte said via Twitter. "(The) @EUCouncil
must achieve a true balance of solidarity and responsibility.
"Assurance on returns and relocation is needed: countries of
first arrival cannot manage alone migration flows in name of
Europe".
One of the pillars of the new pact is that all EU Member States
must contribute in solidarity in times of stress, to help
stabilize the overall system, support countries under pressure
and ensure that the Union fulfils its humanitarian obligations.
"The old system no longer works," said European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen.
"The Commission's Package on Migration and Asylum, which we
present today, offers a fresh start.
"Many legitimate interests have to be brought into balance...
"Europe has to move away from ad hoc solutions and put in place
a predictable and reliable migration
management system.
"I am convinced that the Commission's proposal is a good
foundation for that.
"This Package reflects a fair and reasonable balance between
responsibility and solidarity among
Member States.
"We all share the benefits, we all share the burden".
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