EU to step up Mediterranean control

Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, warned in February 2011 that further unrest in North Africa would increase migration flows to Europe.

As a result, and following a request from Italy, the European Union would coordinate border patrol missions in the Mediterranean.

Ms Malmström also called for a new strategy to engage with North Africa which would help reduce migration pressures into the EU, by increasing trade and investment, but also by creating clearer paths for legal migration.

Frontex: Press Release, 22.2.11: Hermes 2011 running http://frontex.europa.eu/news/hermes-2011-running-T7bJgL

EUObserver, 21.2.11: EU sends small team to help Italy with north African migrants http://euobserver.com/9/31840

ESO: Background information: Italy comes to terms with a new north Africa / Italy appeals for help with Tunisian flotilla http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-comes-to-terms-with-a-new-north-africa-italy-appeals-for-help-with-tunisian-flotilla/

Frontex: Press Release, 19.2.11: Hermes 2011 Starts Tomorrow in Lampedusa http://frontex.europa.eu/news/hermes-2011-starts-tomorrow-in-lampedusa-X4XZcr

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/11/98: Statement by Commissioner Malmström announcing the launch of the Frontex operation “Hermes” in Italy as of 20 February 2011 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/98&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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