EU member states must step up their efforts to fulfil the commitments they took in September 2015 to alleviate the migratory pressure on Greece and Italy, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said, after a visit to a migrant camp in Greece.

EU states had pledged to relocate 160,000 people in clear need of international protection Greece and Italy by September 2017. With the deadline fast approaching, the total number of relocations has not yet surpassed the 14,000 mark. Malta has taken in 111 of the 189 relocations.

Mr Abela was speaking to reporters after visiting the Greek island of Lesvos with European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos and Greek Minister for Migration Ioannis Mouzalas.

Malta has taken in 111 of the 189 relocations

On February 28, Mr Abela and Commissioner Avramopoulossent a letter to all ministers responsible for Home Affairs in the EU states urging them to improve their relocation efforts. 

That letter also reminded member states to respond to the regular calls for the deployment of experts to the hotspots and to the relevant operations. Member states will be reminded of these two messages at the forthcoming council meeting for Home Affairs Ministers in Brussels at the end of March.

“Migration is a common challenge that demands a common, comprehensive approach,” he said. “We will continue working for a comprehensive response, aimed at curbing uncontrolled migration flows while protecting the rights of migrants and refugees in full compliance with the EU and international law. We will strive to make sure that no Member State is left alone to shoulder extraordinary migratory pressures. This is Malta's commitment as part of its EU presidency.”

The minister had words of praise for the staff deployed by EASO, Frontex, and humanitarian organisations.