Security at stake in Calais

The dramatic situation of truck drivers in Calais is extremely worrying. Drivers waiting to cross the Channel need to be constantly alert as thousands of migrants wait to grab their chance at crossing over into the UK. The EPP Group has asked the European Commission and the French Government to act urgently to ensure the safety of the drivers.

Thousands are waiting for the opportunity to cross the Channel on the roads leading to the port and railway station - which are the only land connections between the continent and the UK. Their attempts to enter vehicles by force jeopardise the delivery of goods and the lives of those trying to travel in secrecy.

"The EPP Group expects answers from the Commission: what will it do to resolve this issue, to guarantee the free flow of goods and services in the future and the security of the truck drivers?", said Andor Deli MEP, who has sent Written Questions to the European Commission and requested a debate in the European Parliament. "The European Commission must deal with the matter urgently to reassure all concerned."

Renaud Muselier MEP added: "The lack of authority from the French Government has led to the death of an immigrant. This should not be repeated! I call on the government to act urgently."

Wim van de Camp MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for Transport, said that he is ashamed that this situation is happening in a fellow European country. He wants the French authorities to finally shift from words to helpful action. He wants more scanners to be installed in port areas to stop immigrants from entering trucks. He also suggested that the area for the trucks is made more secure, with additional security fences.