The EU is moving to a migration policy that reinforces its external dimension. After the EU-Turkey “deal” and Partnerships with some African countries, a new agreement between Italy and Libya, endorsed by EU leaders, has been signed last 2 February, to help the UN-backed Libyan government curb migration.
In fact, the Central Mediterranean corridor is currently the main entry point for migrants and refugees, especially for sub-Saharan migrants, to reach the European shores. The instability in Libya creates space for smuggling and trafficking in human beings. In this regard, the European Commission launched a Communication entitled “Migration on the Central Mediterranean route Managing flows, saving lives” as a contribution for the meeting of Heads of State or Government in Malta last 3 February.
COMECE and the Catholic Church in Malta recall that stronger external border controls do not free Europe from its obligation to save lives and from offering a fair, transparent and efficient asylum system based on high protection standards.
