EU to launch new operation against people smuggling, says Hungarian FM

The European Union is launching a new operation to combat people smuggling in the Mediterranean after the current operation, Operation Sophia, expires in March, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted on Monday.

The new operation will focus on enforcing the arms embargo against Libya, Szijjártó said. It will make use of airborne, satellite and seafaring equipment, he said on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Szijjártó said

Hungary shares Italy and Austria’s view that the deployment of ships could end up aiding migration if operations branch off into rescue missions.

The new operation must not be allowed to become an incentive to migrants, he added.

Hungary insists on the policy of suspending the operation and withdrawing ships from the region if it appears that migration is increasing as a result, he said, adding that Hungary insisted that the decision to withdraw should be left with member states. This stance has been accepted in the debates leading up to future deployments at sea, he said.