ІТАЛІЙСЬКА ВІЙСЬКОВО-ГУМАНІТАРНА ОПЕРАЦІЯ «MARE NOSTRUM» (2013-2014 рр.)

Abstract

The article touches upon the policy of Italy in regulating the situation in the Mediterranean Sea area, in particular, the military-humanitarian operation “Mare Nostrum” (“Our Sea”) has considered in details. The preconditions of the crisis situation near the banks of Lampedusa Island in the context of the Italian-Libyan relations have been investigated. Special attention is paid to the course of the operation, the reaction of the Italian society, the European public and political circles. The number of people saved during the operation and the involved forces has been given. The role of the European institutions in the rescue activities has been shown. The discussions in political circles concerning the necessity of such operations have been analyzed. The reasons of radicalization of the Italian society at this stage have been revealed. It is argued that the strategy chosen by the Italian government to resolve the crisis has not been economically profitable for the country’s budget. What is more, the operation not only did save thousands of refugees, but also opened the way for a large number of economic immigrants and smugglers to the country. It is proved that joint European projects were more economically successful and facilitated the realization of the protection of the EU’s border. However, they do cause an increase in contradictions within the framework of a common foreign policy among the EU member states.