Echoes #21 - For a new pact... with people on the move!

Those responsible for the ongoing deaths at Europe's borders are already
preparing the next wave of rights deprivation for refugees and migrants. On 12
June 2026, the so-called Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is set to
come into force. This pact against migration introduces new detention centres
and accelerated asylum procedures with limited legal safeguards, expands the
use of supposedly "safe" third countries and chain deportations, prolongs
Dublin transfer deadlines, and allows for the activation of "crisis" regulations.
At the same time, the experiences of recent decades have shown that racist
policies of exclusion can be undermined through concrete acts of everyday
resistance and challenged in countless small struggles. Strengthening and
expanding structures of solidarity within and together with the communities
affected appears to us to be one of the central tasks for the months and years
ahead!

Since the beginning of 2026:

• 8,972 people arrived to Italy and Malta by sea, many of whom arrived autonomously (UNHCR figures up to May 17).

• 1,367 people were rescued by the Civil fleet from 34 boats in distress (CMRCC figure up to April 30).

• 6,811 people were pushed back to Libya after they were intercepted by the EU-supported so-called Libyan Coast Guard (IOM figure up to May 16).
• 822 people have been reported dead or missing on the Central Mediterranean Route (IOM figure up to May 16).