Action plan has to reduce pressure on Italy

strasbourg - The pressure on Italy because of the continuing flow of migrants is so great that all EU countries need to help. In an action plan, the European Commission presented a series of measures on Tuesday. Over 85,000 people already crossed from Libya this year and there were certainly 2150 drowned.

The commission immediately makes available 35 million euros to Italy to better accommodate migrants. EU countries are expected to take more and faster asylum seekers from Italy. They would also have to pay more money into the Africa fund and more recognized refugees would be transferred directly from Africa to Europe.

In addition, a maritime rescue and coordination center must be set up in Libya. A charity code will be drawn up for maritime aid organizations. That should lead to more coordination and consultation. Shipowners' organizations are often seen as trafficking services for refugees by smugglers.

In addition, asylum experts are ready to assist the Italians, and can assist the European border and coast guard Italy with the return of unaccompanied asylum seekers. The pressure on African countries to cooperate with this has to be stepped up.

In the meanwhile, Italy must increase reception capacity and handle asylum requests much faster. There must also be more room for migrants to join, according to Brussels.

'The focus of our efforts must be on solidarity, with those fleeing war, and with our most vulnerable Member States,' said Juncker.

The plans serve as input for EU ministers responsible for asylum, meeting in Estonia on Thursday.