Sea rescue: An externalisation of the European external border

This includes the delivery of radar systems, surveillance equipment and the holding of training programs for the Tunisian coast guard. In March 2024, the Financial Times The EU’s intention is to provide a further 165 million euros over a period of three years to further strengthen the capacities of the Tunisian coast guard. The German GIZ and the Federal Police are also involved in setting up the SAR zone.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for Non-governmental organizations the work with the control centers – on both sides of the sea. “A few years ago we worked in partnership with the European coordination centers,” says Paul Wagner from Sea-Watch, “we had the same goal: to save people’s lives.” Nowadays, the European control centers in Malta and Italy often push them away when they identify themselves as NGOs to report an emergency. This is proven by recorded phone calls that the association made available to ZEIT ONLINE. In one, an official from the Maltese control center says: “I’m sorry, but we don’t talk to NGOs.” Then he hangs up.