Universidad de Deusto

Kiran Babu Kotte & Ander Albisu Maiz

APPEAL TO SHARE ASYLUM BURDEN

History holds accounts of many protests and confrontations, where people fought against
autocracy and dictatorship. The on-going political unrest in Libya is one such scenario.
The Libyans have been unceasingly fighting against the existing Muammer al Gaddafi’s
autocratic government in order to relieve the country from its long ruled dictatorship. As a
consequence, during the last several weeks the anti-Gaddafi protestors held strong
protests in the streets of Libya. The world has witnessed how Gaddafi ruthlessly had the
protestors killed in order to control the situation. Situation over the past few days has
gotten worse. One can find only chaos and unrest in Libya. The future seems vague and
uncertain for many of its citizens. And so, about one million Libyans are fleeing the
country and entering into the southern parts of the European countries.

It is at this juncture that the Mediterranean countries like Italy, Spain, Greece,
Malta, Cyprus and France are fearing the influx of Libyans into Europe. More than any
other country Italy is more worried and feels the heat of the situation since “Italy is the
door to Europe” as stated by Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba. To
combat the situation, the Interior Ministers of Italy, France, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Malta
presented a joint report at a meeting of EU Interior Officials in Brussels on 24 th February
2011. Roberto Maroni, Italy’s Home Affairs Minister predicted that there would be an
influx of about 1.5m Libyans into Italy. “We cannot be left alone,” said Mr. Maroni and
urged the European Union to grant 100 mln euros solidarity fund in order to aid the
expected immigrants. He also appealed the other Mediterranean countries and Europe
in general to share and to accommodate the immigrants as it will be impossible for Italy
to provide shelter all by itself. Hence, the six countries aspire to have a common EU
asylum by 2012. This will not only enable all the countries part of the European Union to
share the burden of immigrants but also ensure friendship and cooperation.

Cecilia Malmstrom, the Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs of the EU,
backed the petition of Mr. Maroni asserting that the member states acknowledged
situation as a common problem and were disposed to render their assistance. The
Spanish Interior Minister also supported the plea of Mr. Maroni and stated that Italy is the
only door way to Europe. Although some member countries of EU have displayed their
disposition to help and render assistance, there was a strong reaction from many
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countries of the EU regarding the appeal to aid Italy in dealing with the immigrants. “We
shouldn’t paint a picture of the devil on the wall until he appears,” asserted Mr. Sandor
Pinter, the Interior Minister of Hungary, which currently holds the EU’s rotating
Presidency, as a reaction to Mr. Maroni’s appeal. Similarly, Thomas de Maiziere, the
Interior Minister of Germany said, “There is no refugee influx right now. We should not
provoke one by talking about it.” While there were some countries that backed petition of
Italy many opposed. Hence, there certainly was a difference of opinions among the
member countries of EU.

The heart-wrenching situation in Libya and the response from the different
ministers of the EU is in close connection to what we have been studying in the course.
In the post Maastricht Treaty (1990 – 2005) we notice that the EU created an Emergency
aid loan in order to help its member countries in times of genuine need. This implies that
any member country could seek the help of EU solidarity fund when it realizes a genuine
need. From the studies we also realize that in the Treaty of Nice (2000 – 2003), the
Council decided on Enhancing cooperation among member countries which gives an
opportunity for member states to strengthen the relationship in different ways. Although
this principle applies more to economic and legal aspects, it certainly leaves room for
humanitarian perspective. It is based on these principles that Mr. Maroni urged and made
the appeal to the EU to provide a solidarity fund and share the immigrants among the
member countries.

The formation of EU has surely been a painful process but at the end it turns to be
a blessing for all the member states. The countries are not alone but are part of a much
bigger unit. As we see in the article, the way EU responds to the needs of Italy stands as
a strong witness to validate the different decisions taken at different treaties towards the
common welfare of all the member countries.

The study of the European Union is undoubtedly enriching since it is not just a
history but today’s reality. It helps us to comprehend not only its painful formation but
also how it continues to move ahead into the future as a ONE single unit.

Reference

BBC News (25 February 2011). EU urged to share asylum burden amid North Africa
turmoil. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12565214 (accessed on
26 February 2011).
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