EU and Italian leaders embarked on a visit to the small island of Lampedusa in response to a growing crisis involving a surge in migrant arrivals. Over the past year, the number of migrants attempting the dangerous sea journey to Italy has doubled, with figures nearing the record levels seen in 2016. The situation has prompted intensified debates on immigration policies and has stretched the resources of the island. Italy’s handling of the increasing influx and the strain on Lampedusa have become focal points of concern, making the visit of EU and Italian leaders a critical response to the escalating crisis.
EU and Italian Leaders Address Escalating Migrant Arrivals on Lampedusa
![](https://affairsace-media.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2023/09/17213100/migrants_Italian_island-1-860x573.jpg)