Italy PM backs creation of EU naval mission to patrol borders
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FILE PHOTO: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacts on the day of the informal meeting of European heads of state or government takes place in Granada, Spain October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Juan Medina/File Photo
ROME - Italy will support the creation of a European Union naval mission to patrol maritime borders, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told parliament on Wednesday.
"Italy will support ... the creation of a European naval mission, in agreement and cooperation with the North African authorities," Meloni told the Senate ahead of a meeting of European Union leaders.
She also said Italy wanted the EU to increase its funds made available to tackle mass illegal immigration in its multi-year budget for 2021-2027, as Rome deals with surging migrant boat arrivals on its southern shores. REUTERS
