European Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini said yesterday that he understood Italy’s request for support on irregular immigration and was considering the need for action at European level. He suggested that there is a “realistic possibility” that the joint patrols in the Mediterranean could start earlier than scheduled, a comment that has been well-received by the Maltese government.

No date has, however, been set as to when such patrols will be starting.

Mr Frattini was replying to a letter sent to him earlier this week by Italian Interior Minister Giuliano Amato.

“The principle of solidarity that must underlie combined European action to help each member state definitely calls for steps to be taken, given the enormous number of illegal immigrants who have already landed and are still landing on Sicily’s shores every day,” said Mr Frattini.

Malta has also been hit by a heavy influx of irregular immigrants, with 1,000 already landing on Maltese shores since the start of the year.

In response to the request from the Italian government, Mr Frattini informed Minister Amato that he had instructed a technical team from his directorate-general and the Frontex agency to collaborate closely with Interior Ministry officials and prepare an action plan to be urgently implemented.

The team will consider three measures.

The first measure is the use of funds to pay for return flights to the immigrants’ countries of origin, enabling Italy to immediately launch projects already financed at the country’s request or take part in joint return operations with other member states.

They will also consider the possibility of starting the mission to patrol the Central Mediterranean “ahead of schedule”, and contacting the Libyan political authorities to “make a determined effort to prevent the flows of illegal immigrants leaving the Libyan coast for Malta and Italy”.

Questioned by The Malta Independent, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo said he is looking forward to the joint patrols starting as soon as possible.

Mr Frattini stressed the importance of stepping up efforts “to combat clandestine work, which unfortunately is a key factor attracting the illegal immigrants.”