EU adopts plan to struggle migration from North Africa

During the informal Malta summit, the EU leaders adopted the declaration, which stipulates the measures to control the influx of migrants from North Africa on the Central Mediterranean route. 

During the informal Malta summit, the EU leaders adopted the declaration, which stipulates the measures to control the influx of migrants from North Africa on the Central Mediterranean route. 

The document was published on the website of the European Council. 

More than 180,000 migrants arrived in Europe by the Mediterranean Sea last year. Their number on this route increases, while the total number of migrants reaching the EU decreased. 

The plan stipulates the close cooperation with Libya, which is currently the main country of departure for migrants to reach Europe, mainly Italy, by the Mediterranean Sea. 

“Efforts to stabilise Libya are now more important than ever, and the EU will do its utmost to contribute to that objective. In Libya, capacity building is key for the authorities to acquire control over the land and sea borders and to combat transit and smuggling activities,” the document says. 

EU is planning to provide the national coastal guard of Libya with equipment and support for it to be able to struggle against smugglers. 

Migrants staying in Libya will have to live there in the camps. The creation of appropriate conditions for their accommodation is also stipulated.