By P. Bouliou
The second session started and EU leaders are making steps in order to find common grounds on immigration policy. Many things had been discussed today and also some unexpected things happened. Every Head of States made their statement and afterwards alliances and conflicts were clearer.
As happened at the first day, Hungary and Bulgaria continue to be the two countries with the most different policy. Bulgaria seems to cooperate now with Belgium, with many notes passing back and forth. As sources referred: “Bulgaria is not so powerful, it needs Belgium in order to pass some proposals in its favor”. Terrorists’ attacks raised again many concerns. Belgium claimed that under the fear of a second attack it is essential that new measures be adopted. On the other hand, Ireland blamed Belgium for the attack, claiming that some terrorists were from Belgium and they were pushed to terrorism because they were marginalized. The President of Belgium found this statement provocative and used his right to reply. On that point, EU leaders stressed again that integration of refugees is the hottest issue.
Later on, some new measures were suggested. The President of Italy proposed that refugees who are, per say, doctors can be relocated in an EU country that needs them, which made Denmark react, because they thought solutions should be found for all. Registration of refugees was again mentioned as crucial and NGO’s were characterized as important for tackling the refugee flows.
A new measure that EU leaders discussed was strengthening and the funding intelligence institutions, since they can be proved as very helpful for a more united solution.
While the leaders were debating, a crisis burst out, making the situation even tougher; a contagious disease struck in a refugee camp in Italy. Many countries made clear that this is an individual incident and that specialized doctors should be sent, so as to prevent the proliferation of the disease. Bulgaria and Hungary, again, spoke about closing borders, with the fear that their countries are in danger.
It is very clear that as more crises take place, negotiations get more difficult. EU leaders had made some progress, but diversities are still on. As the President of the European Council suggested, it is time for measures and not discussions. The situation is getting worse still, as long as EU leaders don’t cooperate. A united European voice is now required.
