The President of the Madeira Regional Legislative Assembly, Rubina Leal, argued that the European Union needs a coordinated response to situations of extraordinary migratory pressure, able to support territories whose resources are insufficient.
The position was voiced at a meeting of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE), held by video conference. The discussion focused on the situation in Ceuta after large-scale arrivals beginning 30 July, and aimed to prepare a joint declaration on European migration policy.
Leal stressed that European policies must be ready for exceptional scenarios and must prevent the instrumentalisation of migration. She also called for regions to have a real say in shaping these policies, and for national governments to take their share of responsibility. The concerns were submitted in a written contribution to the CALRE declaration.