Italy declares state of emergency over migration and takes EU to task

The Italian government says the EU has a duty to ensure fewer migrants enter the country via the Mediterranean route. After the cabinet declared a nationwide state of emergency in light of rising numbers Tuesday, Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said, „Let’s be clear. We are not solving the problem.“ Only a „conscious and responsible intervention by the European Union“ can help address it, he said. With the state of emergency in place, however, the government could initially free up funds and aid more easily. According to a statement, the government expects a further increase in migrant arrivals in the coming months.