BRUSSELS: The EU said yesterday it will launch a new sea mission in November to save migrants in the Mediterranean but insisted Italy must continue its own patrols.
Rome had called for Brussels to take over full responsibility for the problem after hundreds of migrants have died this year attempting the treacherous crossing from north Africa.
Italy said in August it could not afford to continue its “Mare Nostrum” operation. It called for the EU border agency Frontex to assume control of the operation, which costs $11m per month.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said the bloc will send two planes and three patrol vessels as part of its new “Triton” mission.
AFP
