EU declines to budge in face of Malta’s migrant concerns
The EU is hopeful that an agreement can be reached with Malta regarding its new maritime security mission to the Mediterranean – known as Operation Irini – which has been interrupted after objections were raised by the island nation.
Reports have circulated in recent days that Malta is concerned that Operation Irini could push the flow of migrants its way, a situation that would put severe strain on its infrastructure.
Shephard reported in April that the mission may only serve to divert migrants from established routes and into Europe through other channels, and that SAR operations could be considered secondary
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