EU calls for cooperation with Libya to tackle illegal immigration

Jordan R. Gomillion
SOC 202
10/30/2009 6:34 PM

The EU leaders are calling for more help from Libya to stop illegal immigration. One idea is to share the cost it takes to repatriate immigrants with Libya. This demand came during a meeting of heads of state and government. They were looking over a plan they came up with that has the 27 member bloc jointly paying for the flights that send immigrants back to their countries of origin. Between May 6th and August 30th, Italy has said to have sent over 750 would-be immigrants back to Libya. Thousands of these would-be immigrants board boats in Libya and cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach the EU's southern shores. Leaders pledge to strengthen the borders, but needs Libya to help.

Obviously, international immigration is a huge issue to the European Union. They want to do all they can to ensure that these would-be immigrants don't make it to their shores. If I was an official Libya I would definitely think of the cost benefits to helping the EU. What do they get out of it? The 27 members already pay jointly for chartered flights, Libya shouldn't have to pay anything. It's an interesting topic, one that would garner many different perspectives an opinions.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1510423.php/EU-calls-for-cooperation-with-Libya-to-tackle-illegal-immigration