Italy requests CSDP operation on illegal immigration

(BRUSSELS2) After the sinking of Lampedusa, Italy is seeking the support of the European Union to fight against human trafficking and illegal immigration.

Explore all possible options 

Italian Defense and Foreign Ministers Mario Mauro and Emma Bonino on Wednesday (October 30) asked EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to explore all options for possible EU action. European Union within the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy "in order to combat human trafficking and discourage criminal organisations", facilitating illegal immigration, according to our information. An action which is intended to be complementary to the action of Frontex and the operation Mare Nostrum conducted by the Italian Navy and Coast Guard.

A unanimous decision 

This subject could be put on the agenda of the next Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers of the European Union, on 18 and 19 November.

A request carefully examined by the High Representative. As its spokesperson, the European Diplomatic Service (EEAS) explains, “ works actively to assess possible actions in close collaboration with the Member States. (And) any decision on a CSDP mission (must be) taken by the Member States unanimously. »  

The Italian ministers also ask the High Representative to include in the negotiations with the countries of origin or transit, mainly in Africa, the fight against human trafficking. This question could be put on the agenda of the next EU-Africa summit in spring 2014.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde & Loreline Merelle)

To follow, complete analysis on the Club: CSDP operation in the Mediterranean: three options under consideration