Migration and interior ministers from five European Union countries most affected by the arrival of irregular migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean – Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain – came together to voice their support for a new EU pact on migration.

The Med 5 group, led by Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Dimitris Kairidis, assembled in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Friday and Saturday and issued a joint declaration calling for increased resources to tackle the migration crisis.

The ministers took a tough stance on returning migrants who have entered the EU illegally, stressing the need for decisive action to prevent more extreme voices from gaining ground within Europe.

European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas joined them in praising the Spanish presidency of the EU for its efforts in reaching a compromise agreement.

In a press conference held on Saturday, Schinas directly addressed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s controversial comments.

Orbán’s had said that since Hungary and Poland were “totally left out” of the new migration package, it is impossible to reach a new agreement because “legally we are raped”.

Schinas responded by saying, “Before he talks about rape, he should study the European Treaty.”

He highlighted that migration decisions are made through an enhanced majority vote and expressed his preference for unanimity, but noted that cooperation is challenging with those who oppose it.

Kairidis echoed Schinas’ sentiments, citing Orbán as a warning of what could occur if the EU fails to develop effective solutions.

“We are caught between the hateful shouters on the right and the naive people on the left who believe that any effort to guard borders violates human rights.”

The joint declaration issued by the Med 5 ministers outlines several key points:

– A call for increased joint efforts to manage migration externally, aiming to prevent irregular departures and abuse by smugglers through partnerships with third countries.

– Emphasis on the full implementation of existing partnerships and arrangements to stem irregular departures and dismantle smuggling networks.

– Commitment to protecting EU external borders in compliance with international law and human rights, while discouraging misuse of search and rescue operations for irregular migration.

– Support for FRONTEX in assisting Member States with effective border management and a call for sufficient resources and agreements with third countries.

– Condemnation of attempts to exploit hybrid threats by third countries and a commitment to making EU external borders resilient.

– A reaffirmation of the need for solidarity measures to balance responsibility among MED5 countries and effective migration management within the Union.

– Support for neighboring countries in managing migration flows, including funding through the MFF review.

– A commitment to addressing root causes of migration and promoting legal pathways.

– A call for innovative solutions to limit primary movements and deter irregular migration.

– Emphasis on the importance of returns as a key pillar of the Union’s migration policy, including assisted voluntary returns.

– Urgent calls for the conclusion of negotiations on the Pact on Migration and Asylum to establish an efficient and robust system.

– The Med 5 ministers’ declaration reflects their shared commitment to addressing the ongoing migration challenges in the Mediterranean region and their determination to find practical solutions through EU cooperation.