EU Takes Bold Steps to Address Mounting Migration Crisis on Italian Island

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has committed to providing assistance to the crisis-stricken island of Lampedusa in Italy during her visit on Sunday. This comes as the island has been overwhelmed by a high number of migrants. Von der Leyen visited a facility that receives migrants on the island, following an appeal from the Italian Prime Minister for greater support from European leaders. So far this year, around 130,000 migrants have reached Italian shores, which is almost twice the number compared to the same period last year.

"We will determine the individuals who are welcomed into the European Union and the conditions under which they enter, rather than allowing smugglers and traffickers to decide," stated von der Leyen during a press conference alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Lampedusa, an island with a population of fewer than 7,000 people, has historically served as the primary destination for migrants making the journey from North Africa to Europe. In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of migrants crossing to the island. Italian authorities reported that 7,000 individuals arrived within just two days, leading to concerns from the local mayor and the United Nations refugee agency about the strain on Lampedusa.

The Italian prime minister and EU chief convened on Sunday to provide a united front from Italian and European authorities, as stated by von der Leyen. "We have a responsibility as members of the global community. We have honored it in the past and will continue to do so today and beyond."

Lampedusa has long been an arrival point for migrants but numbers have surged in recent days.

Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse/AP

The president of the European Commission emphasized that migration is a challenge for Europe and necessitates a European response and resolution.

Meloni argued that simply redistributing migrants within European borders would not solve the issue of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe. Instead, addressing the problem externally and preventing the departure of migrants is imperative.

Meanwhile, von der Leyen advocated for the implementation of legal pathways and humanitarian corridors as effective measures to counter the deceptive tactics of smugglers.

"We intend to provide migrants with genuine alternatives through this humanitarian admission. It is crucial to disrupt the harmful narrative perpetuated by smugglers," she emphasized.

Von der Leyen's visit to the island follows Mayor Filippo Mannino's warning on Thursday that Lampedusa's migrant crisis has reached a critical stage from which there is no return.

Chiara Cardoletti, the UN refugee agency's (UNHCR) Representative for Italy, the Holy See, and San Marino, emphasized the urgency of relocating people from the island as it is an absolute priority.

The recent influx of arrivals primarily consists of individuals who have escaped political turmoil in Tunisia. In previous years, the majority originated from Libya and were assisted by NGO charity vessels and Italian rescuers, rather than making it to the island themselves, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Concerns have now escalated within the group, anticipating an even higher surge in numbers due to the devastating floods in Libya.

CNNs Barbie Latza Nadeau, Chris Liakos, Claudia Colliva and Sharon Braithwaite contributed reporting.