23
Mar
2022
Watch
Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 163)
Madam President, I have also been requested to request this urgent procedure for the handling of the Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Union and Moldova on operational activities carried out by Frontex, the so-called Status Agreement. The state with refugees at Ukrainian borders, as I said, is dramatic, following Putin’s invasion against Ukraine. The situation is extremely difficult for many bordering countries, which show determination to support them, including this one, which does not happen to be a member of the European Union, but it is under the impact of nothing less than half a million persons entering the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine following the invasion. In view of that, we should support Moldovan authorities to be able to respond to the current challenges, help people fleeing as the situation continues. But this overall objective of the Status Agreement is also to ensure that the EU’s largest agency, which is Frontex, will be able to provide operational support for the Moldavian authorities on the ground. Officers from Frontex will be able to support document checks, registration processes, assist vulnerable people. But we also insist on the importance of protecting fundamental rights. Urgent need to support a neighbouring third country – sure – but it goes without saying that we must also make sure that the same level of protection and safeguards against fundamental rights violations will comply in Moldova, as in the EU. So we expect the Commission and the agency providing the Parliament with information on the implementation of the Status Agreement regularly. We call on the Frontex Executive Director to terminate or suspend any operational activities if violation of fundamental rights or international protection obligations occur.