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Interview: Bratislava Summit shows lack of unity within EU on migration issue

Xinhua, September 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

Bratislava Summit of EU leaders showed lack of unity on the migration issue, director of analyst centre Glopolis Petr Lebeda said in an interview with Xinhua on Saturday.

"We can see clear contradiction between the proposals of the European Commission and the national interests of several member states," said Lebeda.

"Brussels needs more support for initiatives like the protection of the external borders of the EU, the reform of the common European asylum system or cooperation with the third countries," stressed Lebeda.

The expert added that the summit confirmed strong dividing line between the western European EU member states and the eastern European countries.

"The key problem lies in the symbolic level. The dispute about the mandatory quotas opens up the question of cultural identity, solidarity, labor market issues, national sovereignty," said the expert, noting the issue is perceived very sensitive in some eastern European countries.

"Therefore, it's important not to insist on the quotas, but looking for some alternative solutions. For example, that if a country adopts less migrants, then should be more involved in the assistance to the third countries, which are on the transit route for migrants," explained Lebeda.

He expects the migration waves to Europe will last for several years.

"The climate change, diminishing water resources or increasing number of natural disasters in the Middle East region or Subsaharan Africa will force people to leave their homeland as well," added Lebeda.

Bratislava Summit adopted a road map, which brings the way how will EU tackle several challenges like perceived lack of control and fears related to migration, terrorism, and economic and social insecurity.

EU member states said the bloc will never to allow return to uncontrolled flows of last year and further bring down number of irregular migrants and ensure full control of the external borders and get back to Schengen.

EU leaders are committed to implementing the EU-Turkey deal as well as continued support to the countries of the Western Balkans and to offer immediate assistance to strengthen the protection of Bulgaria's border with Turkey, and continue support to other frontline states.

Before the end of the year, full capacity for rapid reaction of the European Border and Coast Guard will be developed. Endit