"Today we can be proud of the Europe that is able to save lives"

Met dank overgenomen van Europese Dienst voor Extern Optreden (EDEO) i, gepubliceerd op vrijdag 15 april 2016.

The High Representative was today in Lampedusa to visit for the first time a EUNAVFOR MED flagship. The visit in to the vessel ITS Cavour included a briefing on the state of play of the Operation Sophia on site, its work and achievements.

Mogherini i met mayor Giusi Nocilini, to discuss the situation on the island and to visit the Reception Centre. She also took the opportunity to see representatives of Organizations and NGOs present on the ground as Save the Children and of the IOM, UNHCR, EASO, Frontex, the Immigration Office. On this occasion, the High Representative paid her respects at the memorial "Porta di Lampedusa, Porta d'Europa" (Gate to Lampedusa, Gate to Europe).

The High Representative remembered during the press conference on board how exactly one year ago more than 800 migrants lost their lives trying to reach European ground. Two months later Operation Sophia was launched. "I would like to thank all our staff here of 24 nationalities for the excellent work you managed to do so quickly" she said. Mogherini also referred to the key role played in building partnerships in the region as well as with other international organisations and NGOs. "Our mandate is not only to save lives but also to protect them".

EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia was launched on 22 June 2015 to save lives at sea and to fight and disrupt the business model of smugglers and traffickers. Currently 24 Member Estates contribute to this Operation. It is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration. Countering the smuggling and trafficking of migrants is one dimension of ending the human tragedy that we see in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also an important contribution to fighting instability in the region that will increase the security of people in the area as well as EU citizens.

Operation Sophia contributed in saving more than 13000 lives so far. Last Monday 11th April, EUNAVFOR MED spotted 8 migrants boats in the central Mediterranean Sea. An intense rescue operation which led to save more than 2000 lives.