The new agency will help the better management of the external borders of the Union while preserving free movement of people within the Union. By strengthening the Agency will ensure that it is resolved the holder of EU principles and values in all aspects of its operations.
"The proposal of the European Border and Coast Guard wants to ensure integrated management of the external borders of the EU and should be encouraged to start functioning as soon as possible. It must not remain another unimplemented decision adopted since the beginning of the refugee crisis", stressed MEP Picula.
He also reminded that last year, in the period from January to November, about a million and a half people crossed the external borders of the European Union irregularly.
"However, the Agency must respect some key elements: fundamental rights and the principles of the prohibition of expulsion; the independence of the officials who will handle complaints on possible violations of human rights; the availability of translated documents on rules and rights of asylum seekers and the adherence to the principles of search and rescue operations, "Picula said in his speech.
Picula once again stressed that efficient monitoring of the external border of the EU removes the need for roadblocks on inner borders and should serve the interests of all Member countries. "Therefore, I welcome the compromise on the inclusion of Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria because Schengen cannot be saved by wire or Directives with the Member States that are not yet fully part of the Schengen", which is also the text that was adopted in his amendments.
We would like to remind you that MEP Tonino Picula worked on this proposal as a shadow rapporteur and that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (AFET) adopted all 19 of his amendments with majority vote, which was confirmed today at the plenary session.
You can see the whole speech in the video.