The bodies of 29 migrants from sub-Saharan African countries have been recovered off the Tunisian coast after three migrant vessels suffered shipwreck. The latest tragedy comes after Tunisia's President gave a speech last month, in which he tried to turn public sentiment against irregular migrants, resulting in a growing exodus.
The Dutch are calling on the European Union to temporarily suspend visa benefits as part of efforts to compel countries to deport migrants who do not meet EU requirements. EU justice and home affairs ministers are set to meet in Sweden today to discuss rising irregular migration to the bloc.
Austria's chancellor has said he would lobby the European Union for €2 billion in funding for Bulgaria to strengthen its border with Turkey. Despite pushback, Bulgaria's president says he's hopeful his country would join the Schengen group of countries in the foreseeable future.
Greece has announced a further extension of its border fence with Turkey, aimed at stopping migrants. The government also repeated a call for Europe to show "solidarity and a fair sharing of duties."
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on January 11 issued a statement urging Sweden’s rotating presidency of the European Union to safeguard those who are forced to flee their home countries.