Daily Danish air ferry services from Lampedusa to Sicily

Priority question for written answer  P-002785/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Rob Rooken (ECR), Robert Roos (ECR)

Last week, Lampedusa received an astonishing 6 000 illegal migrants in 24 hours, leading to an influx of daily flights. Danish Air Transport (DAT) conducts these flights, funded by the Commission, with a previous contract costing a total of EUR 38.6 million over three years. The cost of the new contract, initiated on 1 July 2023, has not been disclosed.

This situation raises significant concerns. The EU invests in border control through Frontex while seemingly subsidising flights for thousands of illegal immigrants.

• 1.Can the Commission provide details of the price of the new contract for the Danish air ferry service that started on 1 July? It is crucial for transparency and accountability that we understand the cost of such operations.
• 2.Has the Commission conducted any assessments or studies to evaluate the impact of this funding on migration patterns or border security in the region?
• 3.What measures, if any, are in place to ensure that the funds allocated to the Danish air ferry service are used in accordance with EU laws and values, and that they do not inadvertently encourage illegal immigration?

Submitted: 21.9.2023