EU takes action to address migrant crisis

European Union leaders have pledged extra ships, planes and a tripling in funds to save lives in the Mediterranean after the deaths at sea of more than 1,300 migrants over the past three weeks
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EU PLEDGES

Funding: $9.7 million per monthfor current EU operation that patrols Mediterranean – increase brings budget in line with Italy’s Mare Nostrum mission that rescued 100,000 people last year before it was cancelled due to high cost

Britain: Promising assault ship HMS Bulwark, plus two patrol boats and three helicopters

France: Two ships and two aircraft

Germany: Two frigates and supply ship from anti-piracy mission off Horn of Africa 

Other assets offered:

Belgium Navy ship

Ireland Navy ship*

Latvia Patrol boat, helicopter

Lithuania Helicopter

Norway(non-EU) Civilian vessel

Royal Navy flagship HMS Bulwark

Main maritime migration routes

ITALY

Rome

Main EU patrol area

Sardinia

Lampedusa

TUNISIA

Tripoli

LIBYA

Benghazi

Sicily

MALTA

200km 125 miles

EU military action: Could beproposed to strike against boat sused by human traffickers – action would likely require UN backing

Illegal migration: More support forAfrican countries to monitor borders and combat trafficking. Establishment of new programme for rapid return of illegal migrants from EU states

Refugees: Plans for pilot project to resettle persons qualifying for protection across EU

*If Dublin is satisfied with legal arrangements for its use
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Sources: i-Map, wire agencies

Picture: UK Ministry of Defence

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