A very European response to irregular migration

France and Germany have voiced their support for a new migrant action plan proposed by the European Commission, aligning with Italy's firm stance on migration policy. The European Commission has taken a definitive position on the complex issue of migration after years of negotiations. Essentially, Brussels will endorse the stringent approach to migration advocated by Italy's far-right government. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has welcomed a ten-point plan on migrants presented by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Lampedusa on Sunday.

Meloni stated, "I am confident that the issue of migration will be put on the agenda of the next EU summit in October. We must stop migration from Africa and quickly deport those who do not apply for asylum. The future of Europe is at stake here."

Following a surge in migrant arrivals on Italy's shores, von der Leyen visited the southern island of Lampedusa, where the situation has been tense since the beginning of the year, with thousands of migrants facing challenging conditions. She announced a new migrant action plan, encompassing efforts to combat human trafficking, facilitate the return of migrants to their countries of origin, and facilitate transfers of migrants from Italy to other EU member states.

President von der Leyen emphasized the collective responsibility of Europe, stating, "This is very important to me because irregular migration is a European challenge and needs a European response. So we're in this together."

Germany promptly expressed support for another proposal from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which pertains to enhancing air and maritime surveillance of the external borders of the European Union. Some experts argue that such a measure may infringe upon international maritime law, as EU vessels may not be permitted to operate in territorial zones where only North African states have jurisdiction. They suggest that EU air and sea surveillance of the Mediterranean could be viewed as an aggressive act.

Migration analyst Ahmed Ejaz highlighted the need for the involvement of migrants' countries of origin in a more democratic process when addressing migration. He also pointed out perceived inconsistencies in von der Leyen's ten-point plan.

Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin made a brief visit to Italy on Monday. During an interview with Radio Europe 1, Darmanin expressed France's readiness to assist Italy in securing its borders but clarified that France would not accept migrants from the island of Lampedusa.