Minister Bedingfield Advocates Stronger European Response To Irregular Migration

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield attended the Munich Migration Meeting this weekend, where European ministers discussed measures to strengthen the EU’s response to irregular migration.

During the meeting, Minister Bedingfield said the success of the Pact on Migration and Asylum should be judged by its implementation and results rather than legislation alone. He highlighted Malta’s migration policy, which he said has contributed to a 93% reduction in irregular arrivals since 2019 and helped the country achieve one of the highest return rates in Europe.

According to the Minister, the equivalent of 70% of irregular arrivals recorded in 2025 had been returned so far in 2026. He stressed that effective return policies are essential to reducing irregular migration and tackling criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.

Bedingfield called for targeted improvements to the Pact, including faster procedures, stronger crisis mechanisms and measures to prevent the misuse of asylum systems. He also reiterated Malta’s support for the new Return Regulation and for a stronger operational role for FRONTEX, including assistance with migrant identification, travel documentation and return operations.

The Minister also called for greater use of EU external policy tools to encourage cooperation from third countries on readmission and returns, including through stronger incentives where necessary.

On migration innovation, Bedingfield welcomed the inclusion of ‘return hubs’ in the EU’s new Returns Framework and urged further work to develop them into a practical tool. He also backed the creation of a European emergency response framework to help the EU respond more quickly during periods of increased migratory pressure.

Concluding his intervention, Bedingfield stressed the need for a coordinated European approach combining effective returns, cooperation with countries of origin and transit, action against smuggling networks, development support and partnerships with international partners, including the United Kingdom.

#MaltaDaily