The head of the European Commission has announced during a visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa that Italy will receive an additional €30 million in E.U. funds to help settle refugees, after the sinking of a migrant boat killed at least 275 people.
Jose Manuel Barroso also pledged to work “tirelessly” for an E.U.-wide asylum policy and to beef up the Frontex border patrol agency to prevent similar tragedies.
Some islanders shouted “Shame!” as they arrived. Lampedusans have long complained that they have been forgotten by Italy and the E.U. and left to cope alone with the thousands of migrants who come ashore each year.
The visit by Mr. Barroso, accompanied by Italian Premier Enrico Letta, follows agreement by E.U. Interior Ministers to strengthen the patrol capabilities of Frontex.
