Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska urged the European Union to adopt a fresh solidarity mechanism for migration that differs from the current approach among member states. He labeled the present system as too slow, too selective, and not predictable enough, with limited results. The comments came as he met with MED5 colleagues in Valletta, Malta, a forum consisting of Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and Spain. During the talks, the Spanish government underscored a clear willingness to press for progress on relocation and to push for a balance between solidarity measures and responsibility mechanisms within the future Migration and Asylum Pact.
The minister emphasized that final agreement is essential, but cautioned that any pact must be balanced and fail to deliver satisfactory answers to the interests and concerns of European Union member states and the Union as a whole. This stance aligns with Spain’s interpretation of the upcoming framework as presented by Home Affairs, aiming for a fair, effective solution that serves national interests and broader European priorities.
Grande-Marlaska also highlighted the importance of strengthening the EU’s external dimension and securing financial support to foster cooperation with third countries. He described a policy approach that expands relations beyond Europe, covering areas such as police cooperation against organized crime, civil protection, and road safety. He noted that this strategy has yielded positive results for Spain, reinvigorating bilateral ties and contributing to the prevention of illegal immigration through enhanced collaboration with partner nations.
In addition to these points, he referenced data indicating a notable reduction in irregular arrivals in Spain, reinforcing the downward trend observed in 2022 and continuing into the current year with a substantial year-to-date drop. These figures underscore the potential impact of coordinated external and internal measures on migration flows and border security.
He suggested that the future solidarity mechanism within the Migration and Asylum Pact could represent an opportunity to access financing through additional channels for third countries. Such funding would support activities that strengthen border controls, search and rescue operations, and capacity-building initiatives in partner states, helping to sustain safe and orderly migration management.
On the MED5 track, Grande-Marlaska informed colleagues that Spain has forwarded a formal document to the European Commission outlining a range of support and financing options for third countries. The package encompasses air and sea patrols, training programs, equipment deliveries, and the development of new infrastructures designed to bolster border security and humanitarian response capabilities. These measures reflect Spain’s proactive stance on international collaboration as a pillar of migration policy.
Meeting with the Swedish Minister of Immigration
Separately, Swedish Minister of Migration Maria Malmer Stenergaard participated in the MED5 meeting and held a bilateral session with her Spanish counterpart. The discussion focused on the pact negotiations and the evolving role of the Presidency of the Council in steering future arrangements. The dialogue underscored a shared interest in advancing a balanced framework that can sustain cooperation across member states while addressing the complex realities of migration management.
Grande-Marlaska reiterated the imperative to confront the networks responsible for human trafficking. He stated that dismantling and intercepting those who orchestrate dangerous maritime voyages should be a primary objective, alongside rescue operations for those in distress at sea. The endorsement of robust actions against trafficking networks reflects a broader commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants and ensuring safe, lawful returns where appropriate.