Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi told a press conference on Thursday that the management of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has demonstrated the EU’s poverty on migration. “Europe, united by many principles, is unable to tackle the problem and this is a thorn in the very existence of the bloc,” he said before leaving for Marseille where he met French President Emmanuel Macron.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Libya and the strengthening of bilateral ties, but mainly talked about Afghanistan, the role of the EU in the management of the crisis, and the possible extraordinary G20 proposed by Italy, which should take place after the UN General Assembly.

“We will see what happens in New York,” said Draghi, adding that “it is not yet the moment when we have clear strategies but I still think that the G20 will take place.”

Regarding the humanitarian emergency, the two agreed that EU countries had to do a better job managing the crisis, criticising those member states that were refusing to take in more Afghan refugees.

“The European Union […] is still unable to manage such crises […] some countries already said they don’t want any Afghans. How can you do that?” Draghi said.

The Italian PM also explained that the government has decided to divert €120 million from support for the Afghan military to modulating the reception system for those who have fled from Kabul.

“For them, there will be a special path, and they will immediately receive refugee status,” in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, Draghi added. (Daniele Lettig | EURACTIV.it)

Source: Euractiv.com