The recent tragedies off Lampedusa and Malta are unfortunately nothing new. According to the International Organisation for Migration, at least 20,000 people have died at sea since 1993. The latest events must be a turning point for Europe to prevent further tragedies and adopt a co-ordinated approach based on solidarity and responsibility.
Specifically, this must be in the form of:
1) full compliance with international sea-rescue obligations and swift agreement on new interception rules for Frontex-co-ordinated operations;
2) promotion of existing and new legal channels for migration;
3) effective access to asylum procedures;
4) increased co-operation with third countries under clear and pre-defined terms which respect their fundamental rights obligations;
5) reinforced solidarity within the EU to reduce the pressure on the member states most affected.
Short-term solutions are necessary in times of crisis, but until the EU and the member states adopt a comprehensive approach to interlinked migration issues, a growing number of people will resort to smugglers or criminal networks and risk their lives on increasingly dangerous routes. It's about time that everyone shoulders their responsibilities and seeks a comprehensive EU migration policy, to avoid future tragedies such as those we have witnessed in the last few weeks.