EU adopts a new plan to fight illegal immigration in the Mediterranean

The European Commission has adopted a new action plan to tackle illegal immigration in the western Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The flow of migrants remains constant. The European Commission presents this action plan in accordance with the decisions taken by the Council of the European Union on 9 February 2023", reads the document published by the Commission.

A new set of measures to tackle illegal immigration into Europe from North and West Africa includes fighting human trafficking, strengthening borders by the EU agency for the security of the external borders Frontex and the strengthening of cooperation with the countries from which most migrants try to enter Europe. In addition, the European Commission proposes financial support to countries such as Senegal and The Gambia to develop national reintegration mechanisms so that migrants returned to their countries have more opportunities to be included in the socio-economic life of society. It is noted that in order to reduce the burden on countries that have more serious problems with the influx of migrants, the transfer of migrants from them to other EU countries will be accelerated.

The European Asylum Agency will contribute to the distribution of migrants within the European Union. In addition, better interaction between EU countries and organizations will help reduce mortality among migrants trying to reach Europe by sea. "Cooperation and unanimity between EU Member States are essential to limit maritime casualties, maintain safe navigation and find adequate solutions to current challenges," the document states.