EU considers compromise on migrant mission in Mediterranean
New policy shift could boost air patrols to search for people crossing to Europe but withdraw ships that could save them
Brussels — The EU on Tuesday was considering extending air patrols to search for migrants crossing the Mediterranean but withdrawing ships that could save them, a change in policy that reflects Europe’s growing aversion to irregular arrivals. The agreement would greatly weaken Operation Sophia’s role in saving lives in the sea where nearly 2,300 people died in 2018, according to the UN. Italy, under the influence of the antimigration deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, has said it will no longer be the main point of disembarkation for people picked up from the water by Operation Sophia ships. Germany and other EU states are also not keen on hosting the people — most of whom are fleeing wars and poverty in Africa and the Middle East — but they do want the mission to continue. The discussion among EU diplomats over Operation Sophia, the mandate of which expires on Sunday, stems from feuds over migration that have damaged the bloc’s unity since a surge in chaotic Mediterranean arriva...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.