Italy's FM calls for EU common foreign policy in Mediterranean

A common foreign policy at the European level is necessary to take the opportunities and address the problems of the Mediterranean region, Italy's Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said here on Tuesday. Speaking at the Milan-based ISPI institute of International Politics, Bonino stressed what the Italian government is trying to say to Brussels is that the Mediterranean is not optional, but is an "interest and responsibility" for the whole of Europe. The European Union (EU) member states should pay special attention to the developments in the southern section of the Mediterranean, which is not simply a geographical region, but represents security threats as well as business opportunities, the minister said. "Common trade policies are insufficient," Bonino said, "A common foreign policy would be fundamental," in which more integrated infrastructures and a higher level of security should be two absolute priorities, she added. Lately Italy has launched an air and naval operation aimed at preventing that more migrant boat disasters occur in the Mediterranean, days after around 400 Africans died while attempting the perilous crossing. Each year, thousands of illegal migrants try to land on southern Italy, which they see as a gate to Europe. They are crammed into dangerously overloaded boats by human traffickers who are often aided by European nationals, Bonino said. The solution to this problem cannot only come from Italy and even less from Malta, Bonino noted. It is high time for EU member states to "share their responsibility about the southern section of the Mediterranean," she said.