Southern EU Leaders Unite in Malta to Address Rising Migration Numbers and Push for Stronger EU Solidarity

Leaders from nine Mediterranean and southern European countries, including France and Italy, have gathered in Malta for a migration summit. The meeting comes after the UN reported over 2,500 deaths or disappearances of migrants crossing the Mediterranean this year. EU interior ministers have made progress on new rules for handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants, with a deal expected soon. Italy's far-right government, elected on an anti-migration platform, has clashed with France and Germany over burden-sharing. The summit aims to send a clear message that migration requires a European-level response. The EU is also set to agree on a revamped Pact on Migration and Asylum, which includes relocating some arrivals to other member states. Italy and France seek closer cooperation with Tunisia to prevent boat departures from North Africa. The summit will also address regional challenges posed by natural disasters.