The minister said Malta has been left to its own devices dealing with the migration crisis at the EU’s southern peripheries. Recently, he calls on the EU to give €100 million in aid to handle Libya’s humanitarian crisis, repeating a call that was made by the UN to intervene on the ground.

He said the UN has only received €6 million so far.

“Meanwhile, several millions are being spent to finance a civil war in Libya, it seems we can find money for weapons and war but not money to help human beings,” he continued. 

Malta declared its ports unsafe on April 9th, as a preventative measure against COVID-19 a day after Italy also closed its ports. Three days ago, the International Organisation for Migration reported five deaths and seven missing migrants within Malta’s search and rescue zone. Another three vessels in distress have also been refused entry. Meanwhile migrant hotline AlarmPhone have accused Malta’s Armed Forces of sabotaging a migrant boat, an allegation now being investigated by police. 

Bartolo refused to answer questions elated to this accusation on the grounds that it is currently being investigated. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs calls for a “serious programme” with African countries to tackle the root of the crisis leading to thousands attempting to flee to Europe every year.

“It’s not just about the money, but about sharing responsibility for this huge human tragedy. When the dinghies hit the water it’s already too late. We need to develop a real serious programme with African countries for these people who have to flee the tragedies of persecution, corruption, bad governance, poverty and war back home. We need to tackle the root causes,” he said.

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