The Ministers of the Interior of France, Germany, Italy, and Malta, in the presence of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission, convened to discuss the migration challenges facing the Central Mediterranean region. This meeting was held by way of a follow-up to previous meetings held in other European capitals and in anticipation of further discussions also involving the other EU Member States.
The Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia noted that today's conclusion on a position paper is the first of others to be taken. This position is to be presented to the other Member States for acceptance of this document. Upon approval, countries have to come forth and volunteer as places for disembarkation, and others who accept will participate in relocation. Finally, frontline countries who are under stress in view of migratory flows are not to be left alone, and a threshold mechanism is to be implemented. Malta looks forward to further progress at an EU level.