Text tabled : A7-0312/2011

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing. – (FR) Following the democratic revolutions of the Arab countries, the Union decided to increase its budget for managing migration flows and refugees (Heading 3a) for 2011.

With this measure, the Union is taking one of the first practical decisions in response to the Arab uprising, in spite of the fact that its support, the history of which is well known, was late and weak, excluding humanitarian aid. Promises of financial assistance, especially to Tunisia, are taking a long time to turn into reality and remain for the most part fine talk

This decision is all the more questionable as this increase is taken from the ‘Energy networks of the European Economic Recovery Plan’ budget, which could have been used differently.

This decision is about strengthening Frontex and therefore increasing border controls and assistance to refugees, which we know is struggling to materialise. This decision exemplifies the Union’s contradictions. Consequently, I preferred to abstain.