Med5 summit: A call for the strengthening of Frontex and agreements with third countries for returns.

Interior ministers of EU countries bordering the Mediterranean called for strengthening the EU border protection agency (Frontex) and taking more steps to combat irregular migration during a two-day summit held in Naples.

The Med5 meeting, which lasted two days, concluded at the Royal Palace in Naples with the interior ministers of five Mediterranean European countries: Italy, Spain, Greece, Southern Cyprus, and Malta. The meeting was also attended by Magnus Brunner, Member of the European Commission responsible for Home Affairs and Migration, and Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of Frontex. At the end of the summit, the ministers signed a joint declaration. Piantedosi: "Those sent to Albania are considered dangerous." Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, speaking at a press conference at the end of the summit sessions, stated, "We all agreed on the need to strengthen Frontex," reiterating that "the fight against human traffickers should always be a priority." Piantedosi said, "At the same time, we intend to work on supported voluntary returns, which we believe are very important, especially if they are supported by concrete actions to assist the reintegration of returnees in their countries of origin economically and socially." According to the minister, providing adequate funding for the European Union and "launching a specific initiative on supported voluntary returns as soon as possible, aimed at making a qualitative leap and establishing a real joint strategy," is a priority. In response to journalists' questions about the transfer of irregular migrants to Albania, Piantedosi explained that these were individuals considered dangerous. He stated, "Out of the 40 people transferred to Albania, five have been convicted of sexual violence, and one of attempted murder. They have previously been convicted of crimes such as weapon offenses, property crimes, theft, resisting a public official, and assault." He added, "There are many examples that allow us to characterize individuals deemed dangerous, as provided for in our laws, and therefore need to be detained," explaining the reason for migrants being handcuffed when disembarking in Albania on Friday. "Among the reasons for the implementation of these restrictive measures is the protection of police officers' safety, which is always my top priority," he added. Strengthening Frontex and providing more funds to combat illegal migration Ministers Matteo Piantedosi (Italy), Nicholas A. Joannides (Deputy Minister of Southern Cyprus), Makis Voridis (Greece), Byron Camilleri (Malta), and Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez (Spain) reaffirmed their determination to develop a common political vision on the most important issues of the European migration agenda in their joint statement. According to the note released at the end of the summit, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of the European Migration and Asylum Pact and committed to its effective implementation. "Even at the current implementation stage, we believe it is essential to maintain the necessary balance and consistency with the fundamental principles guiding the negotiations, primarily effective solidarity and fair sharing of responsibilities." The ministers then called for urgent and unconditional financing based on needs to support the fulfillment of the Pact's obligations within the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) and for increasing funds for the internal and external dimensions of asylum, migration, and border management, considering the growing burdens on Member States at the forefront and the fact that the external borders are managed for the benefit of the entire Union. Respect for human rights According to the Med5 ministers, the focus of Member States and European institutions should continue to explore innovative solutions to address irregular migration, including preventing and countering irregular migration, managing asylum and returns in accordance with EU and international law, and providing sustainable solutions. The ministers stated, "We emphasize that an effective return policy is vital for a well-functioning asylum system and therefore indispensable for the integrity of the European Migration and Asylum Pact." They welcomed the European Commission's efforts to enhance the efficiency of the return process by providing common standards for effective return management to member states. The ministers also reiterated, "We call on the European Commission to initiate a specific initiative for voluntary returns of migrants to their countries of origin from third transit countries within the framework of the Global Alliance Against Migrant Smuggling, including the organization of an international conference for this initiative," emphasizing the need to create conditions for communities and individuals to live safely and with dignity in their countries. Spanish minister Grande-Marlaska stated, "Respect for human rights is our most important foundation because this respect is the cornerstone of European Union values," and emphasized the necessity of knowing what European institutions think about migrant centers in Albania.