Tag: Mediterranean Sea
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Europe’s drone agency: Frontex paves the way for military drones in domestic airspace
Large drones in Europe are only allowed to fly in restricted airspaces, and until now this has also applied to the military. Operations by the EU border agency Frontex are changing that. With maritime drones, a new dimension of militarisation…
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With sousveillance against the watchers
Images from satellites and drones could support civilian rescue organisations in operations in the Mediterranean, and an app could help against pushbacks at land borders. But the technology is currently only helping in rudimentary ways at best. The Mediterranean Sea…
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Sea rescue: Italy is breaking international law
Captains of private sea rescue ships are supposed to question rescued persons about their wish for asylum and ignore further emergencies. The United Nations and a new Bundestag report criticise these new Italian rules. The Italian government coalition under the…
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Human rights violations in Malta: Frontex Fundamental Rights Officer criticises own air surveillance
An emergency at sea in May this year shows how Maltese authorities lets unseaworthy boats pass unrescued so that refugees are taken on board much later by neighbouring Italy or drown. Frontex’s acting Fundamental Rights Officer has clearer words for…
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Status agreement with Senegal: Frontex might operate in Africa for the first time
The border agency in Warsaw could deploy drones, vessels and personnel. It would be the first mission in a country that does not directly border the EU. Mauretania might be next. As a “priority third state” in West Africa, Senegal…
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EU drones for people in distress: Dropping life rafts for pullbacks?
For the first time, drones are flying on behalf of an EU agency with rescue equipment on board. On the high seas, the actually useful technology could encourage illegal refoulements to countries like Libya. Perhaps the new function will only…