Von der Leyen pledged the Frontex border agency’s support in ensuring “the swift return of migrants to their country of origin” who don’t qualify to stay in the E.U. “It is very important for me (to be here) because irregular migration is a European challenge and it needs a European answer. So we are in this together,″ von der Leyen said. since coming to power last year, framed von der Leyen’s visit as a “gesture of responsibility of Europe toward itself,” and not just a sign of solidarity with Italy. Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, visit the island of Lampedusa on Sunday.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 18, 2023 10:58 UTC