Asylum crisis: N-VA also advocates for realism within Europe

The N-VA delegation in the European Parliament has proposed 10 specific measures for more effectively dealing with the asylum crisis. The four Members of the European Parliament want the EU to go back to its basic values: solidarity, but also responsibility. They advocate a system of mandatory distribution of asylum seekers throughout all of the Member States, but emphasise that there are limits to what Europe can do.

“The influx of asylum seekers poses a major challenge for our social welfare state,” says Mark Demesmaeker. “The N-VA sees a strong but fair asylum and migration policy as the only good option.” For example, it is absolutely essential that all Member States participate in a fair system of mandatory distribution of asylum seekers, with registration points - or hotspots - in Italy, Greece and Hungary. “From this point on, the N-VA will no longer support any file that grants financial aid to Member States that refuse to accept their responsibility in this historic migration crisis. Quid pro quo,” says Sander Loones.

Customisation at national level
Anneleen Van Bossuyt adds the following: “When certain Member States do not want to cooperate in a fair distribution, the demand for border controls within the EU will increase.” These controls must, according to her, also be possible when there is a disproportionately high influx in a certain country. She is also advocating for a change to the Directive that grants the same social rights that EU citizens have to people with official refugee status from the very first day. “Europe must, with respect for the Geneva Conventions, provide the scope for customisation at a national level. The EU must help the Member States that want to implement a policy of integration, activation and participation.”

Helga Stevens lastly emphasises the need to deal harshly with human traffickers and she wants Europe to prompt other regions of the world to make greater efforts. “Europe, with Belgium helping to lead the way, is doing a great deal while others bury their heads in the sand. Places like the rich Gulf states, which by the way border the war zones, are barely even taking in a handful of people.”