A long-term continuation of the EU naval mission off the coast of Libya is in the stars. The reason: All rescued refugees first land in Italy – and Rome insists on a fair distribution.
The EU Mediterranean mission „Sophia“ is apparently initially extended for only three months. The EU ambassadors in the Political and Security Committee (PSC) in Brussels could only agree on an extension of the mission by the end of March 2019 because of Italy’s concerns, reports Die Welt.
The mandate for the mission off the coast of Libya expires on 31 December. The mission is on the verge of a dispute with Italy over the distribution of refugees: the government in Rome demands that refugees rescued by „Sophia“ should no longer be taken to Italy automatically. This would require changing the rules of engagement. Europe’s defense ministers could not agree on an extension of naval operations at the end of November.
The mission has saved around 45,000 refugees since its inception three years ago. But the main task is to tackle the smugglers who bring refugees to Europe. In addition, „Sophia“ should also prevent arms and oil smuggling and forms the Libyan Coast Guard. „Sophia“ is also involved in the Bundeswehr.
