Tensions have increased among residents of the small island after 7,000 arrivals in a 24-hour period this week.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni visit the island of Lampedusa
Migrant numbers this week briefly surpassed that of the island’s residents, who have been witness to countless tragedies. Ms von der Leyen vowed to crack down on “this brutal business” of migrant smuggling and help Italy cope with the spike in arrivals. But the 10-point plan appeared to stop short of a naval blockade, at least a quick one.
Ms von der Leyen pledged the Frontex border agency’s support in ensuring “the swift return of migrants to their country of origin” who don’t qualify to stay in the EU. Ms Meloni, who has softened her once-combative stance against the EU since coming to power last year, framed Ms von der Leyen’s visit as a “gesture of responsibility of Europe toward itself”, and not just a sign of solidarity with Italy.She said: “If we don’t work seriously all together to fight the illegal departures, the numbers of this phenomenon will not only overwhelm the border countries, but all of the others.
Save the Children expressed hopes that the visit by the two leaders would bring concrete responses and called for a European structure to search for and rescue migrants in danger at sea.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
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