Italo-Maltese diplomatic relations regarding illegal immigration from Libya

Abstract

Throughout the 21st century, the phenomenon of irregular migration became one of the most debated issues in the international arena. The dissertation research specifically concerns Italo-Maltese diplomatic relations regarding irregular migration originating from Libya. Since the year 2002, Italy and Malta faced an increasing problem of irregular migration from Libya, as thousands of individuals used the North African country as a transit country to Europe. Both Italy and Malta recognised the need to initiate bilateral cooperation on irregular migration, which is of a political and military nature. The two countries advocate, that this problem from Libya effects all of Europe, and they constantly pressure the EU to increase its intervention. Originally, the Libyan government appeared reluctant to start dialogue with both Italy and the EU. However, as the Western world removed its embargos against Libya back in 2004, there were new, yet limited possibilities on irregular migration collaboration. The principle aims and objectives of this research study is to critically analyse the Italo-Maltese collaboration on this issue, examine Italy and Malta's respective diplomatic relations with Libya, and verify whether they succeeded in reducing their problem. Another aim of the dissertation is to verify whether the EU increased its efforts in controlling irregular migration from the North Africa state. There will also be an analyse of what caused past Halo-Maltese diplomatic disputes on such issue, and verify whether they permanently harmed their future collaboration. This research study is divided into three different chapters, and its final objective is to verify which are the solutions to Italy's and Malta's irregular migration problem.