The move aims to enable more effective, timely responses to migrant flow, says the prime minister.
Italy declared a six-month state of emergency Tuesday to help it deal with a surge in the number of migrants arriving in the country via the Mediterranean Sea, local media reported.
The state-run ANSA news agency said the government approved the measure following a proposal by Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci.
“Let me be clear. The problem will not be solved with this. The solution is possible only through a conscious and responsible intervention by the European Union,” said Musumeci.
“We are talking about a phenomenon never seen in the past. The islands alone cannot deal with this state of emergency,” he added.
With the state of emergency, faster procedures and actions can be implemented to offer migrants reception solutions quickly with adequate standards, according to the agency.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the decision aims to enable more effective and timely responses to managing the migrant flow.
In recent weeks, Italy has seen a significant rise in migrants and refugees arriving on its southern shores from North Africa, with over 3,000 coming in the last three days alone.
