VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela met European Commissioner for Internal and Migration Affairs Magnus Brunner during the MED5 gathering in Malta, where ministers from five EU states discussed shared migration priorities.
Abela underlined the need to complement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum with additional measures, including renewed momentum in negotiating the Repatriation Regulation. He also called for an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin to speed up returns of migrants who do not qualify for asylum.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Byron Camilleri, PM’s Office head of secretariat Col. Mark Mallia, and the Prime Minister’s advisor on European Affairs Leandro Borg.
Earlier, Brunner visited the Armed Forces of Malta Maritime Squadron and boarded patrol vessel P71, welcomed by Minister Camilleri.
During a bilateral meeting, Camilleri reiterated Malta’s strong stand against irregular migration. He highlighted a 93% drop in irregular arrivals over the past five years and a rise in repatriations to around 75%, attributing the results to government investment in prevention and returns.
Camilleri urged deeper cooperation with third countries and stressed the need for effective solidarity mechanisms, ongoing external border investments, and continued support from Frontex.
Brunner praised Malta’s efforts and described the country as a consistent voice within the Council. He called for swift agreement on the proposed repatriation rules and thanked Malta for its constructive role in shaping EU migration policy.
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