<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The European Parliament delegation that traveled to the Canary Islands this week to assess the effects of migration advocated for “a balanced and comprehensive approach to managing legal migration and tackling illegal immigration,” including strengthening the fight against human trafficking and “closer cooperation” with countries of origin and transit.</strong></h4> Six MEPs from the Petitions Committee concluded a three-day visit to Tenerife and Gran Canaria on Wednesday to assess the impact of irregular migration on local communities. The mission was organized in response to a citizens’ petition calling for EU action to address migratory pressure at Spain’s external borders. The delegation consisted of Bogdan Rzońca (Polish, Conservatives and Reformists Group, ECR), head of the delegation; Sandro Ruotolo (Italian, Socialists and Democrats, S&D) and Sebastian Kruis (Netherlands, Patriots for Europe, PfE). Also participating as accompanying members were Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), and Carmen Crespo (EPP). The group met with national and regional authorities, representatives of the police and Civil Guard, magistrates, and prosecutors. They also held meetings with Frontex and EU Asylum Agency staff, as well as with civil society representatives, including the La Isleta Neighborhood Associations Platform. The MEPs also visited two reception centers and a secondary school in Firgas to better understand the situation of unaccompanied foreign minors. At the end of the visit, Bogdan Rzońca, head of the delegation and chair of the Committee on Petitions, stated: “We have found that all parties agree on the need to establish a balanced and comprehensive approach to managing legal migration and addressing illegal immigration.” “Proper management of migration flows involves ensuring fair treatment for third-country nationals legally residing in Member States, as well as strengthening measures to combat illegal immigration, including trafficking and smuggling, and promoting closer cooperation with third countries in all areas: countries of origin and countries of transit,” he continued. “We believe that every competent authority, organization, or institution must overcome conflicts of competence, while taking into account the human aspect of this equation, particularly the root causes of illegal migration, as well as the human tragedies of the many thousands of people who drown at sea while trying to reach European shores,” he concluded. The conclusions of the visit will be compiled in a final report, prepared by the European Parliament's Petitions Committee, which will include recommendations.
