During a debate on EU matters for local and regional authorities, EPP-CoR members expressed solidarity with what happened in Moria and called for concrete action and help to cities and regions facing migration.
Franz Schausberger, from the State Parliament of Salzburg described what happened in Moria as a tragedy. "We need to react quickly and act with solidarity. The current situation where people are living in poor conditions is unacceptable." He added that the new proposal on asylum and migration is an important step to address the crisis. Anna Magyar, member of Csongrád Megye County Council expressed solidarity. She added that migration has to be tackled and help has to be offered to regions that suffer.
Eleni Loukaidou, Municipal Councillor of Nicosia spoke about latest developments in the Mediterranean. "Turkey’s actions risks to damage efforts for the resumption of talks for a lasting settlement on the Cyprus problem. I call on the President of the European Committee of the Regions to bring the concerns of Cypriot local authorities to the attention of the highest levels of the EU."
Piero Mauro Zanin, President of the Regional Council of Friuli-Venezia Giulia spoke about challenges of his region including the flow of economic migrants from Balkan countries. He said "Solidarity between European countries requires overcoming the Dublin system as uncontrolled migration is leaving an impact on local communities close to EU borders."