Photo credit: DW
Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta have called for stronger European measures to prevent a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis, warning of continued pressure on Mediterranean emigration routes and the growing activity of human trafficking networks.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reports that the appeal was made during a summit held in Greece as part of the Europe-Gulf Forum, bringing together the prime ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta, along with the president of Cyprus.
In a joint statement issued Saturday, the leaders said European Union member states were considering deeper cooperation with countries of origin and transit, as well as the activation of EU emergency mechanisms aimed at strengthening control over the bloc’s external borders.
The four Mediterranean countries also stressed the need to combat human smuggling operations and accelerate the implementation of the European Union’s new migration and asylum pact.
The leaders said efforts to improve regional security and stability remain essential to addressing the root causes of displacement and irregular migration, while also emphasizing continued humanitarian support for people affected by wars and conflicts.
The statement comes as thousands of migrants continue to attempt dangerous sea crossings across the Mediterranean each year, often travelling in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats in hopes of reaching Europe.
Many of those journeys end in tragedy, with repeated incidents of drownings and disappearances at sea.
