The decrease in the overall number of migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean continues. At the same time, maritime crossings in the Central Mediterranean are at their most dangerous since records began in 2016, with the rate at which people have died or gone missing more than double in comparison to the figure for 2017. Despite this, the policy discussion is dominated by a perceived ‘crisis’ in numbers, which, in turn, is shaping public perception of migration in the Mediterranean.

This Policy Dialogue examined the state of play of migration in the Mediterranean and the EU, as well as member states’ approaches vis-à-vis interception of migrants at sea. Speakers discussed the role of NGOs in the Mediterranean, the closure of ports to ships carrying migrants and Italy’s cooperation with the Libyan coastguard in relation to border management, and attempted to find policy solutions based on cooperation with third states, such as the proposal for disembarkation platforms.

Speakers included: Marie De Somer, Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre, Matteo Villa, Research Fellow, Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Diane Angermüller, JHA Counsellor for Migration, Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU; Policy Coordinator, European Commission, Patrice Quesada, Head of the Emergency and Post Crisis Unit, Brussels Regional Office, IOM, Annabelle Roig Granjon, Head of Unit, Global Issues Unit, Regional Representation for EU Affairs, UNHCR, Peter David, Policy Officer for Irregular Migration and Counter Smuggling at DG Home, European Commission.