Greece, EU, as the Mediterranean population surges, EU launches immigration transit points to Libya
Athens, Greece (AP) – The EU immigration commissioner said Europe will take a “firm” approach with Libyan authorities after a surge in illegal immigration across the Mediterranean.
Commissioner Magnus Brunner plans to travel to Libya next week with government representatives from Greece, Italy and Malta to seek stricter measures by Libyan authorities to stop ships carrying migrants to Europe.
“This is actually a problem that plagues us. Libya is of course the top priority of the agenda, and we’ll head to Libya together next week because I think we have to be quick and firm.”
Brunner, who discussed the upcoming visit at a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said the delegation would meet with UN-recognized governments from the United Nations in western Libya and competitor authorities in the East.
Greece recently announced plans to send warships to international waters in the region after a surge in border crossings from Libya to Crete, South Greece, a more dangerous route than the more frequently used passages between Turkey and nearby Greek islands.
Hundreds died in 2023 when fishing trawler Adriana brought immigrants from Libya to Italy. ___
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