Status: 11/21/2022 6:16 p.m
The number of refugees entering the EU via the Mediterranean Sea has risen sharply. Under pressure from Italy, the EU Commission has now presented an action plan intended to curb illegal migration.
As on the Balkan route, migratory pressure has also increased sharply on the route via the central Mediterranean. In the first ten months of the current year, more than 90,000 people came to the EU in this way. This is an increase of 50 percent compared to the previous year.
And the trend is increasing, says EU Interior Commissioner Ylva Johansson: “The action plan that we are presenting today has three pillars. The first is better cooperation with partner countries and international organizations. Second, we want a new approach to search and rescue See. Third, we must implement the solidarity mechanism and the joint roadmap for an asylum and migration pact.”
Little concrete in the plan
However, so far there is not much to see of the so-called coalition of the willing. In February there were pledges to resettle more than 8,000 migrants to relieve countries such as Greece, Italy and Cyprus. Germany undertook to take in 3,500 refugees. The first 74 came from Italy in mid-October.
There is also little progress in cooperation with countries of origin and transit, to which the action plan promises more money if they improve their border and migration management, i.e. if they prevent illegal departures. When it comes to sea rescue, too, the action plan is not very specific.
Better cooperation between all actors
EU Interior Commissioner Johansson says: “The legal obligation to rescue people at sea is very clear. And this obligation also exists regardless of the circumstances that led to people getting into this emergency. Saving lives is more important than anything,” she emphasizes. “But there are issues related to the ships of the private sea rescuers that need to be clarified. It is necessary for all actors – such as Member States, countries of arrival and those whose flag the ships fly – to cooperate.”
Like so many other things, it remains unclear whether the EU Commission is once again aiming for joint search and rescue measures as part of European border protection.
Preparatory work for a special summit of EU interior ministers
There is a need for clarification, says Commission spokesman Eric Mamer: “This is the background for the action plan, which is also intended to be preparatory work for the special summit of EU interior ministers announced by Vice President Margaritis Schinas. We expect a debate between the member states and the Commission on all open issues and disagreements.”
Distribution key as a permanent dispute
There will be plenty of that at next Friday’s special meeting. A permanent point of contention is the distribution key for migrants who come via the Mediterranean. The countries bordering the EU are demanding effective relief.
The new government in Rome sent a clear signal when it did not allow a rescue ship to call at an Italian port. The 234 migrants were then able to disembark in France, which Paris does not want to allow a second time. In addition, they want to temporarily suspend the commitment to take in 3,500 people from Italy.