The European Union is facing harsh criticism from Italian MEP Susanna Ceccardi for its decision to investigate its own border force, Frontex, amidst heightened concerns about terrorism and irregular immigration.
Ceccardi, a member of Italy’s Lega party, expressed her concerns in a statement to Express.co.uk, labelling the move as “irresponsible” and part of a “short-sighted policy” that jeopardises the security of the European community.
Her comments come at a time when the bloc is grappling with increased international tensions and a perceived high terrorism alert.
Many are questioning the wisdom of diverting resources and attention away from security concerns to address internal matters.
Ceccardi wrote in a statement to Express.co.uk: “Instead of putting a stop to irregular immigration, the EU continues with its short-sighted policy of weakening community borders, which puts our security at risk, moreover in a period marked by strong international tensions and a high terrorism alert.”
The controversial decision was brought into sharp focus during a recent vote in the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).
The vote concerned a resolution on Frontex, the European border control agency. Ceccardi and the Lega party had hoped for concrete proposals that would bolster the protection of the EU’s borders. However, the resolution took an unexpected turn.
Ceccardi said: “Instead, after having placed the agency itself under investigation for alleged violations of human rights during its operations, the resolution put in black and white the hope of establishing a European search and rescue mission, an initiative which constitutes a clear ‘pull factor’ for irregular migration.”
The investigation into Frontex was launched following allegations of human rights violations during its operations, a move that some consider counterproductive in a time of heightened security concerns.
Ceccardi also said other groups pointed fingers at certain member states for their migration policies, as well as accusing them of “criminalising NGOs” involved in rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
She found it surprising that the resolution received support not only from the left but also from the centre-right, indicating a degree of bipartisan approval for the controversial approach.
“Lega has opposed and will continue to oppose these crazy immigration policies,” Ceccardi wrote, expressing her party’s commitment to resisting what they view as misguided and potentially dangerous policies.
