The President of the European Commission is traveling this Sunday to the Italian island with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She called for a “European response” to irregular immigration.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen calls on “member states to welcome” some of the migrants who arrived in Italy this Sunday from the Italian island of Lampedusa, where thousands of migrants arrived this week and where she is in trip this Sunday.
“Irregular immigration is a European challenge that needs a European response,” said Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference.
The Italian Prime Minister, alongside him, for her part proclaimed that “the future of Europe” was at stake in Lampedusa, while the Italian island sees thousands of migrants disembark irregularly every year.
On the move to Lampedusa
The President of the European Commission is visiting Lampedusa this Sunday with the head of the Italian government. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson also made the trip.
The island has been under tension in recent days, after the arrival of around 8,500 migrants between Monday and Wednesday, the accommodation center containing only 400 places. Another 1,500 people are present this Sunday, according to the Italian Red Cross (CRI).
Arrivals are gradually transferred to other centers in Sicily or on the continent. “Other transfers are planned during the day,” said the CRI.
Source: BFM TV
