EU considers joint force for the Mediterranean
EU authorities are planning to have a multi-national force in place by the start of November to support the overstretched Italian Navy and Coastguard as they bid to deal with the massive numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to seek asylum in Europe.
Italy has already received 115,000 migrants this year, many of whom were forced to make irregular and hazardous Mediterranean crossings. Experts estimate the total will likely increase to around 150,000-160,000 by the end of 2014.
Many of the refugees are from Syria, Eritrea and Somalia and it is believed that more than 2,000 have died this year
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
-
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.