Italy faces wave of asylum seekers, EU Chief promises ‘action plan’

The (EU) has stepped forward with an ‘action plan’ to support Italy in managing the record-breaking inpouring of asylum seekers in recent times, especially on their island, Lampedusa. The wave of asylum seekers in Italy has reignited the urgent address in regarding shared responsibility for those seeking refuge. 

A Pan-European Issue 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was assertive in stating that combating “irregular migration is a European challenge and it needs a European answer.” During her visit to Lampedusa, she put forward the ‘action plan’ to help Italy guide through this crisis. The plan depends on the idea that improved management of legal migration helps to tighten its stand against irregular migration. 

“We will decide who comes to the European Union and under what circumstances, and not the smugglers and traffickers,” stated von der Leyen.

The plan enjoys the backing of several European leaders and highlights offering legal pathways and humanitarian corridors to counter the narratives of smugglers and traffickers. However, there has been vocal dissent as far-right Italian leader Meloni suggests preventing departures for more effective than reshuffling migrants across countries. 

Tackling Crisis At Its Root 

The 10-step plan proposed by von der Leyen includes improving the training of law enforcement agencies like the Tunisian coastguard. Lampedusa’s long-standing issue of being the preferred destination for North African migrants looking to reach European shores is due to its geographical location near Sfax, the current hotspot for sea-bound migrants. 

The especially the Mediterranean member states, have been asking for increased support to manage the large arrival numbers. Asylum seekers arriving in Italy through the sea have almost doubled from 66,200 last year to 127,200 this year, as per the latest numbers from the Interior Ministry. 

While the Frontex Operations continue in the Mediterranean Sea to maintain the external borders and combat trafficking, reports of illegal ‘pushbacks’ involving refugees trying to cross borders have invited sharp criticism. 

This new action plan takes significant steps towards addressing the migrant crisis at its root—combating human trafficking, improving law enforcement, and preventing unnecessary suffering, but its effectiveness will be tested in the harsh light of reality.

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