[Insidious barbarism]

Abstract

The number of migrants to Italy by the Central Mediterranean route is decreasing while the risk of dying of those attempting the crossing is markedly increasing. It can be hypothesized that with reinforced barriers to migration only the most desperate, in poorest overall conditions (including those of their boats) dare to try the crossing. Whatever the explanation the raising death rates at sea point to the inadequacy of the salvage system, raising the question of whether the priority of the European Union is , as declared, "to save lives at sea" or, de facto, only to reduce the migrants' flow.