ROME: French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced his visit to Rome today, to address the recent surge in migration, particularly the mass arrivals on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
This influx has sparked a coordinated European response, and France aims to collaborate with Italy in bolstering border security.
Darmanin emphasized France’s commitment to supporting Italy in safeguarding its borders, recognizing Italy’s significant role as a primary European Union entry point for migrants crossing from North Africa. He shared this intention during an interview with broadcaster Europe1, revealing his plans for the day’s visit.
During the trip, Darmanin’s agenda includes a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi. The meeting aims to foster cooperation and establish a coordinated strategy to manage the current migration situation effectively.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 8,500 individuals arrived on Lampedusa via 199 boats between Monday and Wednesday the previous week, prompting urgent action. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Lampedusa to announce an emergency action plan.
The substantial movement of migrants has reignited the immigration discourse in France, prompting ongoing debates in the country’s parliament regarding a draft law pertaining to new arrivals. Darmanin stressed the importance of conveying a clear message that indiscriminate welcome for arrivals is not viable. He emphasized the need to apply European regulations on receiving and distributing migrants among EU member states.
Darmanin highlighted the significance of protecting the EU’s external borders and promptly evaluating asylum requests. He emphasized the need to send individuals back to their home countries when they do not meet the criteria for asylum, particularly those from countries like Ivory Coast, Guinea, or The Gambia where no humanitarian crises are prevalent.
