EU chief promises a plan of action as migrants flock to Italian island

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Context

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Lampedusa in response to a surge in migrant arrivals.

Migrant Arrivals in Italy

Italy has seen a substantial increase in migrant arrivals, with nearly 126,000 migrants arriving in the country this year, almost double the figure for the same period in 2022.

Challenges in Lampedusa

Lampedusa, a small Italian island, has witnessed a sharp rise in migrant landings, exceeding its permanent population.
Locals are protesting against the growing burden on the island.

European Union’s Action Plan

Ursula von der Leyen introduced a 10-point plan to assist Italy with the migrant crisis.
The plan includes utilizing Frontex, the EU’s border agency, to identify and repatriate ineligible asylum seekers among migrants.
Frontex will intensify surveillance of migrant boats, both at sea and from the air, and collaborate in combatting human smugglers.
The plan expedites the supply of equipment to Tunisia’s coastguard, the main departure point for sea migrants, and accelerates fund transfers.
Ursula von der Leyen is committed to improving legal channels for migrants.

Lampedusa

Location: Lampedusa is a small Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, southwest of Sicily and east of Tunisia.
Geography: It covers about 20 square kilometers, the largest of the Pelagie Islands.
Population: Small, with seasonal variations due to tourism; Italian and North African communities.
Economy: Primarily reliant on tourism, with fishing and agriculture contributing.
Immigration: Known for being a destination for migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean.
Historical Significance: Influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans due to its strategic location.