The president of the EU' Economic and Social Council has called on the EU to give greater financial support to the Mare Nostrum humanitarian operation, being financed by the Italian government. The operation was launched last year in the wake of a series of tragedies related to irregular migration.

Henri Malosse made his appeal this morning during a briefing with the media as part of a three-day visit to Malta which ends tomorrow.

Mr Malosse also called for the EU to implement the principle of burden sharing and for a stronger economic effort to support North African countries. He expressed his support for a proposal put forward in recent days by Malta and Italy which will see the latter demand that the EU Border Control Agency (Frontex) takes over responsibility for rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean.

Facing increasing demands by the opposition to end operation Mare Nostrum – as many are arguing the county cannot afford it – Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will be formally asking the EU to take over the operation.

Sources close to the Italian government said that Mr Renzi is expected to present a plan for Frontex to take over the duties of Mare Nostrum.

Although it is not known yet whether Malta has been involved in the drafting of this plan, the island is expected to give its full backing to the Italian proposal.

Asked about the fact that the EU has not been forthcoming to Malta's call for help in spite of all the pledges made by Brussels, Mr Malosse said that it was crucial to keep up pressure and lobby for this support.