By Chief Editor, Murhaf Bader Mousa AlMuallem
As migrants sink into the depths of the Mediterranean, the political corridors of Brussels and Rome lose themselves in sterile debates over the classification of so-called “safe third countries.” The latest tragedy—the shipwreck near Malta and the recovery of bodies by the Italian Coast Guard—is not a “chance incident,” but an abyss of security and humanity.
Field data reveals a dark face of this crisis: over 73% of migrants crossing the Mediterranean suffer unprecedented violence during their journey. We are not talking about cold statistics, but a reality that demands a genuine taking of responsibility, not just lip-service declarations.
Beyond “Security”: The Truths on the Table
How much longer will Brussels and Rome hide behind bureaucratic terms to justify failure? The alibi of “safe third countries” no longer convinces anyone: it is merely a cover for evident operational and humanitarian inadequacy. The question is simple: how is it possible that an advanced security system in the Mediterranean can monitor every movement, yet remain paralyzed in front of dilapidated boats? Who is truly responsible for the absence of rescue efforts, while billions are spent on surveillance and deterrence systems that do not save lives?
Security in the Mediterranean does not just mean protecting borders from migrants; it means protecting the lives being extinguished at sea. Italian public opinion sees clearly that current policies do not protect borders, but rather transform the Mediterranean into an open-air graveyard.
The equation is clear: the Mediterranean is not merely a border corridor, but the ultimate test of our policies’ seriousness. It is no longer acceptable for solutions to remain ink on paper in Brussels or electoral promises in Rome. Italians clearly see the divide between advanced military technologies and the complete absence of effective rescue mechanisms. Defending human life is a duty that transcends every political calculation; the Italian public cannot accept having its national security built at the expense of the values we are supposed to represent. As a watchdog authority, we present these facts to those in power: it is time to put an end to this negligence.