The leaders of the seven EU Southern countries adopted on Wednesday in Rome a Declaration, in which they pledge to
continue their efforts on a series of issues, including economic growth, immigration, security and social cohesion.
The Declaration, entitled “Bringing the EU forward in 2018”, is the outcome of the meeting the Heads of State and Government of the Republic of Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, held in Rome on Wednesday.
In the Declaration it is stated that the management of migration flows will be a fundamental challenge for the European Union in the years to come and that the Southern EU countries are particularly concerned and affected as they are at the forefront of the EU external borders.
‘Our fundamental role and burden of protecting those borders must be acknowledged and shared by the EU. The EU will have to redouble its fight against human trafficking and new forms of slavery, guarantee human rights of all persons and protect those in need of international protection, particularly the most vulnerable groups’ it is noted.
The leaders underline their strong commitment ‘to a common European migration policy, to prevent irregular flows as well as to address the root causes of mass migration in dialogue and cooperation with the countries of origin and transit. We are determined to strengthen our partnerships with those countries, particularly in Africa. The full implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement, in an Aegean where international law is respected, is needed’.
Furthermore, they state that ‘we firmly believe that positive outcomes on the external dimension of the Migration Agenda need to be complemented by a determined effort to build a new and fair Common European Asylum System (CEAS) based on the effective respect of the principles of responsibility and solidarity, especially towards frontline Member States’.
The leaders of the seven EU Southern countries also refer to security and terrorism, noting that ‘Europeans must take greater responsibility for their security and do more to fight terrorism’.
‘European action shall be aimed at addressing regional and global challenges with a special focus on the Mediterranean, EU’s immediate Eastern neighbourhood, and Africa: a democratic, stable and prosperous neighbourhood is a strategic priority and in the fundamental interest of the EU’.
As far as the economy is concerned, they state that at the beginning of a year of full economic recovery after a decade of financial crisis, the EU is back to a path of growth and that much has been achieved following a combination of reforms at national level, fiscal discipline and investment.
‘Europe is safer and stronger, but much remains to be done. A more sovereign, social and democratic Europe, which can be a leading model in the world, is our way forward’ they underline.
In addition, they note that ‘together, we can address our citizens’ needs by setting a common ambition whilst being open to the involvement of all committed Member States, as we have just done in the field of defence’ .
They recall that in Rome, in March 2017, they established an ambitious Agenda and pledged to work on all those issues that concern the citizens most: a safe and secure Europe, a prosperous and sustainable Europe, a social Europe, a stronger Europe on the global scene.
‘In each area we have made concrete progress. We need to continue working in order to deliver tangible results in this direction’ they state.
The Declaration notes that further steps to complete the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) are necessary to achieve more sustainable and balanced growth, competitiveness, quality employment and convergence.
‘It is time to focus on EU policies which are clearly identified by our citizens as core priorities for action. We will continue promoting the efficient functioning of the internal market, as well as economic, territorial and social cohesion’ the EU Southern countries’ leaders point out.
As regards the Cyprus issue, it is noted that ‘we closely follow and reiterate our support for a viable comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, in line with the UNSC resolutions and the EU acquis, that reunifies Cyprus and its people, and which safeguards Cyprus’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, without guarantees’.
The Republic of Cyprus, it is added, ‘is and will remain a member of the European Union after the settlement, and EU membership is the best safeguard for a reunified Cyprus’.
‘We are committed to act together to achieve the goals set in this declaration and we agree to hold the next summit in Cyprus’ the Declaration concludes.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. UN-led negotiations to reunite the country under a federal roof have so far failed, due to unacceptable demands by the Turkish side to maintain its right of intervention, its guarantees and a military presence on the island.
