Brussels, 14/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 13 May at the end of the day, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Immigration, Cecilia Malmström, held a meeting with the Italian minister for home affairs, Angelino Alfano.
The same day, the latter threatened his European partners with possible reprisals after another shipwreck off the Libyan coast that led to the death of at least 17 migrants (see EUROPE 11078). During the course of this exchange, the Commissioner reiterated the Commission's readiness to help Italy, as pointed out by her services. The Commissioner pointed out that in her letter of 14 April, the European Commission had asked Italy whether additional measures should be taken. The Italian authorities have still not replied to this letter.
Illegal immigration is expected to be on the Home Affairs Council agenda, come what may, at the beginning of June in Luxembourg. Malmström has called on the EU28 to hold another discussion on ways of avoiding further tragedies in the Mediterranean. (MB)