The European Union (EU) signed an agreement with Egypt on Sunday for the first phase of a border management program worth 80 million euros, at a time when Egyptian migration to Europe through Libya is increasing, according to a statement by the EU Mission in Cairo.
The project aims to help the Egyptian border and coast guards reduce illegal migration and human trafficking along its borders and provides for the procurement of surveillance equipment such as search and rescue vessels, thermal cameras and satellite positioning systems, according to an EU Commission document published this October,
In 2021 more than 26,500 Egyptians were stopped at the Libyan border, according to the EU Commission document.
#eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #Migration #Baerbock #migrants #Legalmigration #talents #Ukraine #migrantworkers #FRONTEX #Italy #Libya #mediterranean
EU funds Egypt border control deal as migration flows through Libya surge
MSF Sea is “appalled” and “outraged” over Malta’s continued neglect of its legal obligation to coordinate rescues and provide assistance at sea. Italy’s new government leaves almost 1000 survivors stranded at sea while it is contemplating a ban of entry for civilian rescue vessels. EU is expanding its cooperation on migration control with Egypt and Italy renews Libya agreement.
RESQSHIP reported the rescue of 28 people on 3 November by the Italian Coast Guard and according to the NGO hotline, Alarm Phone, Italian authorities rescued 50 people on 30 October and another 383 people on 1 November off Sicily. However, the deterrence and prevention policies of EU and member states remain deadly and on the same day, Open Arms stated: “More than 25,106 people have lost their lives since 2014 trying to cross the Med and today our thoughts are with all of them Innocent victims of a EU policy that deliberately refuses to save human lives at the sea”. Meanwhile, the civil fleet that will soon be joined by Sea-Watch 5, christened in Hamburg on 3 November, continue to save lives.
The Civil Fleet reported of a rescue on 3 November of 77 people including children and babies from two small wooden boats in the central Mediterranean: “by the crew of the Rise Above, a smaller vessel operated by Mission Lifeline”. On 2 November, MSF Sea reported: “3 days. 7 rescue operations. 572 survivors waiting to disembark”. According to the organisation all survivors aboard the rescue vessel Geo Barents were rescued in Malta’s SAR zone with authorities ignoring requests for support and coordination.
MSF Sea is “outraged” by Malta’s non-response tactics: “We are once again appalled that the Armed Forces of Malta has neglected its legal obligation to coordinate these rescues and provide assistance, even though the relevant authorities were informed all along. Had it not been for the NGOs’ joint efforts in less than a single day, MSF says almost 400 people could have perished”, the organisation stated, adding: “Indifference and lack of coordination by competent authorities is not acceptable”.
Disembarkations represent a test for the new Italian far-right government collation led by Giorgia Meloni. Interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi issued a directive on 25 October to police and port authorities stating that the civilian rescue vessels Ocean Viking and Humanity 1 were not: “in line with the spirit of EU and Italian regulations as concerns security, border control, and the fight against illegal immigration” and accordingly a ban from entering Italian waters is being assessed.
Civilian rescue organisations have scorned Italian and Maltese authorities for leaving almost 1000 survivors rescued between 22 and 29 October stranded at sea off Sicily aboard Humanity1, Ocean Viking and Geo Barents. The rescues were carried out in Libyan and Maltese waters and with Italy now refusing disembarkation, rescuers are calling for help: “I urge the French, Spanish and Greek maritime authorities and others … to assist and facilitate an immediate disembarkation in a place of safety,” the Ocean Viking’s search-and-rescue coordinator Nicola Stalla said on 3 November.
Meanwhile the crack-down on the civil fleet and refugees remains ongoing in Malta and Italy. On 29 October the Iuventa Crew facing severe charges in Italy over alleged collusion with human smugglers reported: “Again a postponement, again due to delays of the prosecution. Since our ship was seized 5 years ago people on the move continue to die every day off our coasts. Our solidarity does not stop, we will continue our fight in and out of court!” According to the organisation questioning was stopped due to insufficient interpretation.
