Member states must decide unanimously on naval missions - EU

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 20 - A European Union naval mission to stop the departure of migrants and refugees from north Africa would have to be approved unanimously by all member states, lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano said on Wednesday.
    "We do not go into details and we do not comment on ideas or proposals that emerge at national level," said Stano in relation to the proposal mooted by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to launch a mission along the lines of the now-defunct Operation Sophia, which in an unimplemented third phase provided for the return of migrants and refugees intercepted at sea on the basis of specific agreements.
    "I remind you that any European mission is an instrument of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Any decision on these missions is in the hands of the 27 member states and must be taken by unanimity," he added.
    "Right now no decision has been taken at European level on naval missions," he added.
    Premier Giorgia Meloni repeatedly evoked introduction of a 'naval blockade' to prevent migrant boat arrivals during last year's election campaign.
    On Tuesday Piantedosi said in reality Operation Sophia, launched in 2015 to combat people smuggling and prevent loss of life in the Mediterranean, had contemplated such a possibility.
    "This would be the full implementation of the naval blockade," Piantedosi said.
    Photo: Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi (ANSA).