European Parliament Pushes for Coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission to Tackle Mediterranean Crisis

MEPs Call for Enhanced SAR Operations and Transparency in EU’s Migration Efforts

(IN BRIEF) Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed deep concern over the ongoing loss of lives in the Mediterranean as people attempt to cross the sea. They are urging increased support for national initiatives and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to enhance search and rescue (SAR) operations. MEPs are calling for a more proactive and coordinated approach to save lives at sea and are emphasizing the need for transparency in deals with third countries, as well as the evaluation of alleged human rights violations. The resolution also highlights the importance of safe and legal migration pathways and urges the dissemination of information on the risks of irregular migration in third countries. Additionally, MEPs are demanding comprehensive information on EU support to border and coast guards in third countries and propose making funding conditional on cooperation in managing migration flows and combating human traffickers. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 27,633 people have gone missing in the Mediterranean since 2014.

(PRESS RELEASE) STRASBOURG, 13-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) express deep regret and sorrow over the continuous tragic loss of lives among individuals attempting to cross the Mediterranean. In response to this ongoing crisis, MEPs are demanding increased political and financial support for national initiatives, as well as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), to enhance search and rescue (SAR) operations. They are calling for a more proactive and coordinated approach to effectively save lives at sea. Additionally, MEPs stress the need for transparency in deals with third countries and the evaluation of allegations regarding human rights violations.

During a plenary debate on Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, supported by a show of hands, urging member states and Frontex to allocate sufficient resources, including vessels, equipment, and personnel, specifically dedicated to SAR operations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of member states fully utilizing vessels operated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). MEPs propose the establishment of a comprehensive EU SAR mission, implemented by member states and Frontex, to address the urgency of the situation.

MEPs strongly condemn criminal smuggling and trafficking while reiterating that safe and legal pathways, particularly through resettlement, are the most effective means to prevent casualties at sea. The resolution also recommends the dissemination of comprehensive information about the risks associated with irregular migration to people in third countries.

In terms of cooperation with third countries, the resolution calls on the European Commission to provide detailed information regarding the support offered by the EU and its member states to border and coast guards in countries such as Libya, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. To ensure the safety of rescued individuals, MEPs insist that the Commission and national authorities investigate allegations of serious violations of fundamental rights by the Libyan coast guard, with a commitment to terminating cooperation if such breaches are substantiated.

Furthermore, MEPs demand that the Commission present proposals to condition funding to third countries on their cooperation in managing migration flows and combating human traffickers and migrant smugglers.

Background:

Search and rescue operations and disembarkation activities carried out by EU member states currently lack a unified legal framework, except for those conducted within Frontex-led joint operations at sea.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a staggering 27,633 individuals have been reported missing (presumed dead) in the Mediterranean since 2014.

Media contacts:

Polona TEDESKO
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 40731 (BXL)
(+32) 495 535 457
polona.tedesko@europarl.europa.eu
libe-press@europarl.europa.eu
Twitter: @EP_Justice

SOURCE: The European Parliament