Malmstrom to launch 'increased assistance' for southern Med states

The European Commission is set to launch a “dialogue on migration, mobility and security” with the countries of the southern Mediterranean, the European Voice has reported.

A communication expected to be adopted by European commissioners next week proposes that the countries of the region should receive increased assistance for managing migration in return for commitments to accept repatriated migrants and to tighten border controls.

The proposals are part of a sweeping review of the Union's migration policies prompted by migration from north Africa following popular uprisings this spring.

Italy and Malta have been asking for refugees from Libya to be resettled elsewhere in the Union, but the response by other member states has been lukewarm.

European commissioner for home affairs Cecilia Malmstrom, is seeking to balance the member states' focus on controlling migration with more positive measures as part of a ‘migration partnership' with north Africa.

Next week's communication follows a broader communication on migration adopted by the Commission on May 4. A national diplomat said that the measures outlined in the two communications go “in the right direction” but that the member states were now waiting for actual legislative proposals.

The Commission is also seeking to support neighbouring countries in building democracy, as part of an ongoing review of the Union's neighbourhood policy.