| Series Title | The Local.it |
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| Series Details | 28.06.17 |
| Publication Date | 28/06/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Italian news sources reported on the 28 June 2017 that the Italian Government had asked its ambassador in Brussels, Maurizio Massari, to formally present a request to the European Commission for help and express its inability to cope alone with the on-going migration crisis. Just in the previous few days more than 12,000 people were said to have arrived by sea. The Italian government was said to be considering blocking boats carrying migrants from landing at its ports - in particular boats not flying the Italian flag, including those operated by various charities and NGOs, who were carrying out search and rescue operations in the sea between North Africa, in particular Libya, and Italy. The European Commission said on the 29 June 2017 that it was was ready to give Italy fresh financial support. 'We support and we understand Italy's concern and we support their call for a change in the situation'. 'But what we're also saying is that any change in policy should first be discussed with other member states, and also properly communicated to the NGOs who are running these boats so that they have time to prepare'. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said on the 1 July 2017: 'Italy is playing its part in receiving those rescued and providing asylum to those in need of protection. These efforts must be continued and strengthened. But this cannot be an Italian problem alone. It is, first and foremost, a matter of international concern, requiring a joined-up, comprehensive regional approach. Europe in particular needs to be fully involved through an urgent distribution system, increased external engagement and additional legal pathways of admission. And the response to the immediate crisis must be matched by broader efforts by all concerned, to address the root causes behind migratory pressures, create better protection for people in transit, and address smuggling and trafficking'. On the 2 July 2017 the European Union Commissioner for Refugees Dimitris Avramopoulos met with the Interior Ministers of Italy, France and Germany in Paris to discuss a 'coordinated approach' to help Italy. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.thelocal.it/20170628/italy-threatens-eu-with-closure-of-ports-to-rescue-boats |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Italy |
