In a resounding call to action, Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has issued a stark warning, declaring that the “future of Europe is at stake” as thousands of migrants continue to arrive on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa.
This week, a staggering influx of migrants, arriving on vessels from the North African coast, descended upon Italy’s southernmost island. The resulting crisis has reignited a contentious debate regarding the distribution of responsibility among European Union (EU) member states.
During a press conference held alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Lampedusa, Giorgia Meloni emphasized the necessity for the EU to unite in confronting the challenges posed by uncontrolled migration.
“The future that Europe wants for itself is at stake here, because the future of Europe hinges on its ability to confront significant challenges,” stressed Ms. Meloni.
Between Monday and Wednesday, approximately 8,500 individuals, surpassing the entire local population of the island, arrived in Lampedusa via 199 boats, as reported by the United Nations migration agency.
“Irregular immigration is a European challenge that requires a European response,” affirmed Ms. von der Leyen, urging other EU member nations to share the responsibility of accepting some of the migrants.
The Italian Red Cross, responsible for managing the overcrowded Lampedusa migration center, revealed that, despite its capacity for just 400 occupants, 1,500 migrants are currently housed there. Transfers of migrants to Sicily and the mainland have struggled to match the influx of new arrivals, although further transfers are anticipated on Sunday, according to the Red Cross.
Upon their arrival at the airport, Italian officials were met with local residents expressing dissatisfaction with the substantial inflow of migrants, even threatening to block their motorcade.
“We are doing everything possible,” responded Ms. Meloni to the concerned residents.
While large vessels operated by NGOs like the Geo Barents by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have rescued nearly 500 migrants in 11 operations, numerous small boats continue to embark on the perilous sea-crossing to Lampedusa. Consequently, the migrant management system on the island finds itself on the brink of crisis.
In July, Ursula von der Leyen, with strong support from Giorgia Meloni, brokered an agreement with Tunisia aimed at curbing the flow of irregular migration from the North African nation.
Thus far this year, over 127,000 migrants have reached Italy’s shores, nearly doubling the figures from the same period last year. Tragically, more than 2,000 individuals have lost their lives in the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean from North Africa to Italy and Malta, as reported by the UN migration agency.
The EU is actively pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of rules governing the handling of migrant flows. In France, far-right voices have voiced opposition to the entry of migrants from Lampedusa, situated just across the border in Italy. However, French government sources have indicated that Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron have engaged in dialogue and concurred on the necessity to “strengthen cooperation at the European level.”
