To things from the Italian island of Lampedusa More irregular immigrants have arrived this week than there is a population (7,000 inhabitants): In just three days there have been 10,000. The reception center has a capacity for 400 people. These data already give an idea of the situation on the island, the gateway to Europe for thousands of irregulars from North Africa who embark in the Mediterranean to reach the continent. The president of the European Commission traveled there this Sunday, Ursula von der Leyenwhich has announced an urgent plan to confront this problem and has appealed to the solidarity and responsibility of European States when it comes to sharing the management of these flows.
“Irregular immigration is a European challenge that needs a European response”Von der Leyen said. Together with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has visited the saturated reception center where some of the irregulars who arrived in recent days remain. “The future of Europe is at stake here, because it depends on the countries’ ability to face the great challenges,” Meloni added.
Von der Leyen has presented an emergency plan to organize the distribution of asylum seekers between the different member countries. Also to reinforce surveillance and persecute human traffickers, facilitate asylum for those irregulars who arrive and meet the requirements. In addition, the mechanisms of Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, will be strengthened to be able to safely repatriate those who do not meet the requirements to stay.
The president of the Commission has urged countries to “make use of the voluntary solidarity mechanism” to share these flows. Von der Leyen has not mentioned Germany, which has just suspended the voluntary reception mechanism for asylum seekers who arrive from Italy arguing “the strong migratory pressure.”
This Saturday, the heads of the Interior of France, Italy and Germany held a conference call to address the matter. In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke with Meloni to “reiterate France’s solidarity with Italy in the face of the migration challenge affecting the island of Lampedusa.”