Lampedusa drama: the Commission kicks into touch

(BRUSSELS2) For the Commission, the tragedy that occurred off the coast of Italy and Malta on October 11 is not a European affair. After our article, taking up information from L'Espresso (read : Off Lampedusa, on October 11, did Europe let 268 Syrians die?), Commissioner Cecilia Malmström's spokesperson, was interviewed by one of our Spanish colleagues (from SER radio). For the spokesperson: “It is up to the Italian authorities to clarify what happened and how, and if there are responsibilities to devolve them to whom it may concern”. The Commission thus denies any responsibility while the European border surveillance system, Frontex, has been widely criticized in this affair (read in particular: Being a refugee during a Frontex operation)

To read on the subject:

• The CSDP to fight against immigration? Some questions
• Italy requests CSDP operation on illegal immigratione
• Strengthening Frontex: one of the causes of the problem (CIRE)
• Migrants/Refugees. “States remain responsible on the high seas” (Philippe de Bruycker)
• Rescue at sea and the right to asylum… UNHCR's responses