EU chief to visit Italian island after migrant surge
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This week, Lampedusa's migration center, originally designed for fewer than 400 people, was overwhelmed as approximately 8,500 individuals arrived between Monday and Wednesday, exceeding the entire local population.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers her annual speech on the state of the European Union and its plans and strategies looking ahead, at the EU Parliament, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP)
EU leader Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit the Italian island of Lampedusa alongside Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this weekend following a surge in migrant arrivals.
Meloni has urged Brussels to provide assistance in response to the recent landing of around 8,500 individuals over three days this week on Lampedusa, located just 90 miles (145 kilometers) off Tunisia's coast. An EU official confirmed von der Leyen's upcoming visit to AFP but did not provide specific details.
On Friday, authorities transferred thousands of migrants from the small island to Sicily. This influx of arrivals has reignited the debate over how Europe shares responsibility for asylum seekers.
Lampedusa, Italy's southernmost island, has historically been a landing point for migrant boats from North Africa, but this week, its migration center, originally designed for fewer than 400 people, was overwhelmed as approximately 8,500 individuals arrived between Monday and Wednesday, exceeding the entire local population.
Images depicting thousands of people sleeping outdoors, scaling the perimeter fence, and wandering the town have elicited strong reactions from members of Italy's hard-right government.
An act of war
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini characterized the arrivals as an "act of war," while Meloni called on the European Union to increase its assistance. Notably, Von der Leyen, with strong support from Meloni, reached an agreement with Tunisia in July aimed at curbing irregular migration from the North African country.
Read next: Over 870 migrants cross English Channel in 15 boats in one day
Earlier last month, the Ocean Viking rescue vessel, operated by SOS Mediterranee, successfully saved 438 migrants in distress in the Mediterranean over a span of two days.
The rescues occurred in international waters near Libya and Tunisia. The NGO also revealed that it rescued 272 individuals from various nations, including unaccompanied minors, babies, and people with disabilities. Subsequently, the vessel rescued an additional 136 people from boats in distress in coordination with Italian coast guards.
Migrants constantly attempt to traverse the Mediterranean Sea in perilous metal boats, making the journey much more hazardous. According to the UN, almost 20,000 people have died on this route since 2014.
