The EU is rightly criticised for often failing to live up to its ideals. While there is often talk of solidarity and togetherness, such values are not often translated into actual policies. Instead, the EU is perceived as the ultimate insiders-club with little tangible connection to the people that it is meant to represent. However, the founding values of the EU remain noble: respect for human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. And as such, one can only applaud today’s announcement by the EU Commission of putting in place a Europe-wide migration policy.
The recent tragedy of men, women and children drowning in the Mediterranean has rightly been a leading issue over the past weeks throughout Europe. These people are striving for what everyone wants : a better life for them and their families. Currently, Africa is not able to provide this for them and so they must take drastic actions which far too often end in tragedy. Unfortunately, the political reaction has not always been positive. Last year, the Mare Nostrum Operation, an Italian government search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean, was stopped due to cost. Its replacement, the EU's Triton program, has far less funding and only covers the area 30 miles off the Italian coast. This decision has cost lives and shows the worst-side of European politics and policy making.
However, today may mark a turn for better today for European Migration policy. At a press conference today in Brussels, High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said "Migration is a shared responsibility of all Member States and all Member States are called now to contribute to tackling this historical challenge". Such a call is in many ways a far cry form the earlier handwringing and politicking that was often found amongst EU politicians. The announcement today contains several different measures, but arguably the most important and controversial is the setting up by "the end of May, an EU-wide resettlement scheme to offer 20 000 places distributed in all Member States to displaced persons in clear need of international protection in Europe with a dedicated extra funding of â¬50 million for 2015 and 2016".
Although relatively small in scope and size, such a policy will undoubtedly create much consternation amongst the more Eurosceptic parts of European society. Which brings us to Ireland. Or, to be more precise, Ireland, the UK and Denmark. Due to EU treaties, Denmark may âopt-outâ of such a scheme while the UK and Ireland may choose to âopt-inâ. With the recent election of a majority Conservative government in the UK, it is no surprise that they have already made clear they will play no part in this plan. As for Ireland, we still do not know what the Irish government will decide to do.
There is no other country in Europe, and quite possibly worldwide, associated with emigration as much as Ireland. Throughout the world, one can easily find Irish pubs, names and accents. It is not just that we are easily found, we are also welcomed and applauded for having a warm and welcoming outlook on life and culture. What sign would it send thus send if Ireland closed its doors on migrants fleeing poverty, war and terror from Africa? It is for this reason that Ireland must accept its responsibilities and do its fair share, along with the rest of Europe. The people who are drowning in the Mediterranean are willing to put their lives on the line in order to leave Africa. Helping them will not act as a âpull-factorâ. It is instead doing the right, humane thing.