The European Commission is concerned about the increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy, a spokesperson for the EU executive said on Thursday.
"The Commission is aware of the increase in arrivals in the central Mediterranean and in Italy in particular and remains very concerned," said the spokesperson.
"The Commission has been working with the Italian authorities to help decongest the Lampedusa hotspot, in particular by providing emergency assistance to enable the transfer by air of vulnerable migrants from the island to other locations on Italian territory," she added. "The Commission is aware of the pressure on the reception system in Italy, has supported it in addressing the challenges of migration and is ready to do so again," concluded the spokesperson.
Italy has seen a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea on its southern shores since the start of the year, putting the reception system under strain.
Some 105,909 people have arrived by sea so far in 2023, according to interior ministry figures updated to August 23.
This compares to 51,328 in the same period last year and to 36,479 in 2021.
"The EU agencies Frontex, the European Asylum Agency (EUAA) and Europol have 450 people deployed in Italy," the European Commission spokesperson continued.
"As regards the reception of asylum seekers and refugees, the Commission's reference is the Reception Conditions Directive" laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers under national law.
"The EUAA supports the Italian authorities in the field of asylum procedures and reception" including through "the direct deployment of experts to support the interior ministry and the Prefectures", the spokesperson said.
"In addition, (Home Affairs) Commissioner (Ylva) Johansson offered further support to the Italian authorities in July when she visited Lampedusa together with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi," she continued.
This, said the spokesperson, has already led to "tangible results".
"With more than 14 million euros of EU funding, a new project is now helping the Italian authorities to ensure adequate reception conditions during emergencies and the safe transfer of migrants who land on Lampedusa to other reception centres in Italy," she said.
"The Commission stands ready to provide further assistance to Italy. Additional emergency funding can also be used for projects in member states under severe pressure (from migration). These funds can be made available quickly and flexibly in the event of an emergency," concluded the spokesperson.
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