Memo: President Barroso to visit Lampedusa on Wednesday 9 October

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, visited the island of Lampedusa on 9 October 2013.

The visit took place in the spirit of European support and solidarity expressed by the Commission following the tragic events of 3 October 2013 in which 300 illegal immigrants from Africa were feared dead after their overcrowded boat caught fire.

The President stressed the need to improve immigration policy and the situation of identifying and rescuing vessels at risk.

ESO: Background information: Tragic accident outside Lampedusa: Statement by European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-tragic-accident-outside-lampedusa-statement-by-european-commissioner-for-home-affairs-cecilia-malmstrom/

EUObserver, 07.10.13: Italy grants citizenship to Lampedusa dead http://euobserver.com/justice/121681

BBC News, 09.10.13: Lampedusa migrants: EU chief and Italy PM heckled on visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24456058

France 24 International, 09.10.13: Italy to hold state funeral for shipwreck victims: PM http://www.france24.com/en/20131009-italy-hold-state-funeral-shipwreck-victims-pm

European Commission: RAPID: Speech, SPEECH/13/792: Statement by President Barroso following his visit to Lampedusa http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-792_en.pdf

Le Monde, 09.10.13: Lampedusa deserves the Nobel Peace Prize (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/4215301-lampedusa-deserves-nobel-peace-prize

EurActiv, 10.10.13: Barroso met with boos and jeers on Lampedusa tour http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/questions-rise-eurosur-frontex-l-news-530955

BBC News, 10.10.13: Lampedusa toll at 311 as Italy divers finish boat search http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24485104

Euro|Topics, 10.10.13: EU promises Italy help for refugees http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/aeltere/NEWSLETTER-2013-10-10-EU-promises-Italy-help-for-refugees

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