'Solidarity Mechanism' of the European Union for migrants, sharp reaction from Matteo Salvini

(Patria) – 14 member states of the European Union have agreed on a new 'solidarity mechanism' for migrants.

Ministers of Foreign and Internal Affairs of EU member states met in Paris to discuss options for migrants found in the waters of the Mediterranean.

Various options were considered, including assistance to migrants in Libya, humanitarian transfers, as well as voluntary return.

Before the Franco-German plan was announced, the French President shared his opinion via Twitter that migrants crossing the Mediterranean have two options – 'bombing in Libya or drowning in the Mediterranean'.

Emmanuel Macron also stated that the EU must 'allow women and children who qualify for asylum to be placed under protection instead of risking crossing the Mediterranean'.

He emphasized the need to 'speed up and intensify the return policy for those who do not qualify for asylum in Europe', but to do so with a 'humane, effective policy that corresponds to our principles, rather than a policy of laxity'.

The French President further believes that the EU must have a better strategy regarding the arrival of migrants in Europe, such as quick docking in the nearest port, emphasizing that the receiving country should not bear the burden alone.

Italian Minister of Internal Affairs Matteo Salvini stated that he opposes France and Germany deciding on the EU's migration policy, 'ignoring the demands of the most vulnerable countries', Salvini said, referring to Italy, which is facing the largest influx of migrants.

Italy received almost all migrants rescued at sea by humanitarian groups until the populist government closed its ports.

After the meeting, Salvini commented that Italy should not be the 'refugee camp of Brussels, Paris, and Berlin'.