5,000 migrants reached the southern Italian island of Lampedusa in just one day. Prime Minister Meloni called for help from the EU. The President of the EU Commission now promised this during a visit to the Mediterranean island.
In view of the many refugee arrivals in Lampedusa, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented a ten-point plan to support Italy. “Irregular immigration is a challenge that requires a European response,” she said during a joint visit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Among other things, the EU wants to combat illegal human smuggling and create humanitarian corridors. This requires, for example, a joint effort by the EU border protection agency Frontex and Europol, in cooperation with the refugees’ countries of origin. However, the most effective measure against people smugglers is to enable legal migration.
More surveillance at sea and from the air
Surveillance at sea and from the air should also be increased, also with the help of Frontex. Von der Leyen supports exploring options for expanding existing naval operations in the Mediterranean or working on new operations.
The EU also offers support in the distribution and repatriation of migrants. “We urgently ask other countries to help and take in migrants from Lampedusa,” said von der Leyen. With the help of the European Asylum Authority, faster asylum procedures should also be made possible in order to return those who have no right to asylum more quickly.
The EU wants to work with Tunisia on the actual implementation of the migration agreement and sign new contracts. In addition, the training of the Tunisian coast guard and other law enforcement agencies should be improved, said von der Leyen. A particularly large number of migrants set off for Italy from Tunisia, mostly on unseaworthy boats.
Meloni: The only solution is to stop illegal departures
From Meloni’s point of view, the only solution is to prevent migrants from crossing. She made that clear at the press conference. The right-wing politician called for a European mission on Friday to stop migrant boats on the way. If necessary, the Navy must be deployed, she added.
In the morning, Meloni and von der Leyen visited the reception center for migrants on Lampedusa. Both also spoke to island residents who expressed frustration about the situation. According to the Italian Red Cross, there were 1,500 people in the island’s reception center designed for 400 people that morning. According to the Red Cross, transfers to Sicily and mainland Italy are planned for the rest of the day.
Because of its proximity to the Tunisian coastal city of Sfax, Lampedusa has been one of the hotspots of migration to Europe for years. More than 5,000 people arrived on Tuesday alone – more than ever before on a single day. At times the initial reception center was extremely overcrowded with around 6,800 people.