In July, the number of migrants disembarked in Italy via the central Mediterranean (10.160) decreased by 57% compared to June, the lowest level for the month of July since 2014. The total arrivals in Italy, in the first 7 months, was 93.900, more or less in line with the same period in 2016. These are Frontex data. On the other hand, 2.300 migrants arrived in Spain in July, more than four times last year's figure. And the total number of arrivals in the first 7 months is around 11, more than in all of 2016.
“The operational plan needs of the triton operation are agreed with the Italian authorities, and the current levels” of the resources “used correspond to the needs, as identified by the Italian authorities. These levels are always monitored and adjusted to the situation if necessary. If Italy were to request” reinforcement “the agency will evaluate them”. So a spokeswoman for the EU commission, when asked if Italy has asked for reinforcements for the Triton operation, after the decision by Sea Eye, MSF and Save the Children to suspend search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
