Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-10-12-Speech-3-067"
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"en.20051012.12.3-067"2
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"Mr President, I should also like to express my views today about the huge influx of illegal immigrants in Europe, a situation that is not only affecting my country Malta, but also Spain, Italy, and other European countries; a situation that has stretched Malta’s resources to their limits; a situation that I fear has not been given its due importance by the European Union.
The Maltese authorities have been dealing with this problem for years, but the last couple of years have seen an increase that has made it very difficult to control. Logistically it has become very hard – nearly impossible – to accommodate these illegal immigrants and at the same time ensure their privacy and dignity as human beings. This year alone about 44 boats have entered our territorial waters – a small number you may say, but when compared to Germany, for example, that would mean the equivalent of 830 boats – carrying 1600 illegal immigrants. Compared to Germany again that would be the equivalent of almost 300 000 people, a situation which I am sure no European government would like to have to face.
Unfortunately the situation is a reality on our island and I urge the Commission to act as soon as possible to find a lasting solution. Let us work together to adopt a common policy on migration that would befit the principles of a united Europe. The problem we are facing is critical, but nevertheless I am sure that the Maltese authorities will continue to do their utmost to aid and protect these unfortunate people who in the vast majority of cases flee their countries for political, social and economic reasons.
We will continue to do our best but we need assistance, because this is not just a Maltese, Italian or Spanish problem: it is a problem that concerns the whole of the European Union."@en1
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