EU plan for migrant quotas hits rocks: another doomed quick fix? more migration meltdown?

Petits Detectius

RISK AT SEA: Migration at highest level in a decade.

WITH net migration to the UK at its highest level in a decade, an EU plan to spread migrants throughout the continent using a quota system for their resettlement appears near to collapse with its rejection by numerous EU countries.
And my response to this latest doomed quick fix dreamed up by the EU? Well, it’s a word that rhymes with “bucket”!
Love her or loathe her, British Home Secretary Theresa May rightly opposed the scheme. Everything should be done, she said, to rescue those at risk at sea, but taking them to a European port, thereby creating a ‘pull-factor,’ would certainly encourage many more to attempt the trip, thereby benefiting those who ruthlessly exploit them for financial gain.
I find myself split between compassion for these individuals and the conclusion that a combination of rumour, internet and the media about the EU’s ready largesse, open borders and helpful rescue crews are fuelling this escalating migration to Europe and making it irresistibly attractive to thousands of people.
If the message being sent back was that migrants paying to enter Europe illegally are wasting their time and money, both the demand and the business of the people-smugglers meeting it would evaporate. We need to separate those truly escaping from danger from those escaping poverty.
The only lasting solution is to bring stability to these countries through economic development and conflict resolution but, in the late great Buddy Holly’s immortal words, ‘That’ll be the day.’ People in overcrowded, poorly-maintained boats simply don’t have time to wait for things to be fixed.
The future is free for us to imagine and invent. The problem which is facing us today is how to find work for the unemployed, reduce state deficits, pay for benefits and, in the UK, get the NHS off life support.
Otherwise, the future is bright. Or is it? What about the killings in Iraq, Libya, Syria and so on seemingly without end? What about Iran, ISIS and Russia? What about all these unskilled refugees seeking a new life in Europe?
How are we supposed to cope with all these challenges when youth unemployment in Europe – 50.7 per cent here in Spain, second only to Greece at 51.2 per cent – is already at breaking point? The future could be bright but at the moment it is not.
Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89; £0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Euro Weekly News Media

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments