EU leaders hold emergency summit on Mediterranean migrant deaths
- 9 years ago
Seeking solutions to the Mediterranean migrant crisis, European Union leaders have gathered for an emergency summit in Brussels.
Greece and Italy are the gateway to Europe for those fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.
But with record numbers drowning in the attempt, including up to 900 migrants from one boat killed last Sunday, the EU as a whole is being urged to act now to stem the loss of life.
While increased naval patrols look set to be announced, the fear is that Thursday’s show of solidarity could be a short-lived cosmetic exercise.
A draft EU statement seen by Reuters after four hours of talks lists 13 proposals.
But only the first point, “strengthening our presence at sea”, which involves “at least doubling” financing and boosting the naval presence, is likely to translate into action soon.
Other proposals include “surgical strikes” on boats about to be used by people smugglers and other intelligence-led actions to “destroy the business model” of
Greece and Italy are the gateway to Europe for those fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.
But with record numbers drowning in the attempt, including up to 900 migrants from one boat killed last Sunday, the EU as a whole is being urged to act now to stem the loss of life.
While increased naval patrols look set to be announced, the fear is that Thursday’s show of solidarity could be a short-lived cosmetic exercise.
A draft EU statement seen by Reuters after four hours of talks lists 13 proposals.
But only the first point, “strengthening our presence at sea”, which involves “at least doubling” financing and boosting the naval presence, is likely to translate into action soon.
Other proposals include “surgical strikes” on boats about to be used by people smugglers and other intelligence-led actions to “destroy the business model” of