MEPs react to new Commission proposals

USPA NEWS - Migration and refugee crisis: MEPs react to new Commission proposals. A humanitarian emergency is unfolding right now across Europe and the Mediterranean. Almost 3,000 people have drowned trying to reach safety in Europe.

New migration management proposals, including relocating 120,000 asylum seekers within the EU - on top of the May proposal to relocate 40,000 - a permanent distribution mechanism for the future, a list of safe countries of origin to ensure faster returns of those whose asylum request is rejected, and legal migration channels to the EU, were outlined by the Commission and debated in Parliament this morning. MEPs urged member states to act and praised EU citizens for warmly welcoming refugees.

The debate was initiated by Luxembourg's Minister for Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Nicolas Schmit, Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, EU foreign chief Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for migration Dimitris Avramopoulos before MEPs took the floor and voiced the views of the political groups.

After the debate, most MEPs gave a favourable opinion on the May proposal to relocate the 40,000 asylum seekers, since Parliament needs to be consulted before the measure can enter into force. The same procedure will apply for relocating the additional 120,000 asylum seekers. On the permanent mechanism, Parliament and Council will decide on an equal footing.