Federal Government pledges to play active role in EU action plan for the Mediterranean

Following the massive losses of life in the Mediterranean over recent weeks, the Member States of the European Union vowed to take immediate practical steps to deal with the situation. In this light, a 10‑point action plan was presented by the European Commission, with the items listed there falling into three groups of priorities: the fight to combat human trafficking, responsibility for international protection, and border surveillance and search and rescue.

The Federal Government supports this coordinated approach, making a number of practical commitments in various areas.

State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration Theo Francken, having examined the European Commission's plan, was swift to respond to the idea of an emergency resettlement mechanism. The Commission suggests providing for 5,000 resettlements of refugees throughout the European Union. The Federal Government proposes doubling this, which for Belgium would come down to accommodating around 250 more refugees for the next two years.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Security and the Interior Jan Jambon will continue to make staff (debriefers) available to the Frontex border agency to support the countries on the front line and is ready to potentially increase their numbers if requested by the agency.

Defence Minister Steven Vandeput is offering resources for the joint operations in the Mediterranean. Depending on requirements (determined in consultation with Belgium's EU partners), the Belgian Ministry of Defence is prepared to send its command and logistical support ship Godetia to take part in this mission. Other kinds of support, such as Vessel Protection Detachment teams and marine surveillance equipment, are also a possibility.

In addition, Belgium will pursue its upstream activities by continuing its development work in the countries of origin and also stepping up any cooperation with these and any transit countries.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said, "We would like to make a commitment to EU solidarity in terms of tackling and managing flows of refugees. We have been shocked by these tragedies, which have claimed hundreds of human lives. The issue of combating human trafficking is one we absolutely must address and resolve". At the European Council tomorrow he will call for proactive solidarity from all the EU Member States with a view to developing a macro approach for the region.