A four-page letter followed by a seven-page appendix with an account of what was done from March to June 23: the Letter sent by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to EU leaders ahead of the European Council on 29-30 June that immigration will also be on the agenda. An issue that is now of central importance for all 27 and not only for first entry countries such as Italy, Greece or Spain and which requires urgent action in the face of the repetition of tragedies in the Mediterranean. In the agreement with Tunisia, von der Leyen points to the future model for strengthening agreements with third countries and asks EU leaders for a financial effort to address the new priorities.

Steps Forward and the June 9 Agreement

Compared to the extraordinary European Council in February and March, von der Leyen emphasizes that the new Council has made progress Pact on Migration and Asylum agreed between EU countries at the Home Affairs Council on June 9th passed two important regulations last year that made it possible to start negotiations with the EU Parliament. An agreement that EU Interior Commissioner Ylva Johansson described as “historic” after seven years of negotiations. But it is a medium- to long-term structural solution that does nothing to deal with the plight of deaths in the Mediterranean now. However, for von der Leyen, together with the proposals from Eurodac, Screening and Crisis, it is a compromise that strikes the right balance between solidarity and responsibility

But in order to advance the EU’s collective response, it is important that while we work on the pact – writes von der Leyen in the letter seen by Corriere – we continue to act decisively and implement operational measures, while at the same time starting to think about future implementation to plan. Last week’s shipwreck is another call for action, underscoring the urgency to step up our work with partner countries, to redouble our efforts to fight migrant smuggling, to limit irregular departures on overcrowded and inadequate ships, and to look to alternative legal routes to work which is unnecessary suffering and the unfortunate loss of life. It is necessary for von der Leyen to continue to develop new ways to advance these goals, including by thinking outside the box.

The role of third countries and the Tunisian model: the 5 pillars

Cooperation with third countries is essential And for the President of the European Commission, the aim should be to ensure that our current initiative with Tunisia serves as a model for similar partnerships in the future. That means a global partnership based on five pillars: macro-financial assistance once the necessary conditions are met, strengthening economic and trade ties, cooperation on green energy, migration and strengthening people-to-people contacts. Commissioner Vrhely is expected to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding with Tunisia on all these issues shortly. Strengthening of Tunisia’s capacities in the field of migration and border managementexplains von der Leyen, will allow us to work together on the main challenges: combating migrant smuggling, managing migrants inside Tunisia, returning them to their countries of origin and readmission to Tunisia.

The President recalled her trip to Tunis with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutchman Mark Rutte, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and the visit of Vice-President Margaritis Schinas to Egypt in March and High Representative Josep Borrell on June 17. He briefed EU leaders on the work to implement the Central Mediterranean Action Plan and on the delivery of two more vessels to the Libyan Coast Guard to strengthen rescue and rescue capacities. He then stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation with Morocco and West African countries for the western Mediterranean route, as well as with Turkey for managing Syrian refugees.

The President also mentioned that Results achieved along the Western Balkans route, with a significant reduction in irregular migrant movements. The EU also wants to work on the visa system. In addition, the Commission will present “a number of best practices” to improve the effectiveness of the Dublin Regulation and will also “work closely with Member States to address the challenges related to search and rescue operations and increase knowledge of the situation.” to improve in the Mediterranean”. and create a framework for increased cooperation in this area.” As for repatriations, von der Leyen believes there is an urgent need to improve their effectiveness in order to make them more fluid.

“In order to be able to take the necessary measures to deal with the pressing migration challenges, we must ensure that we have sufficient resources for an effective migration and asylum management system and are prepared for unforeseen situations,” said von der Leyen, who last week asked member states to 66 billion euros to flesh out the 2021-2027 EU budget in light of the new political priorities. Money is needed for new global partnerships and for future EU assistance to Syrian refugees in Turkey. And the EU heads of state and government must also discuss this in three days.