Didier Reynders urges the European Union to have a common immigration policy after the Lampedusa tragedy.

The belgian minister of foreign affairs Didier Reynders expresses his deep sorrow about the tragedy that occurred on October 3 off Lampedusa . His thoughts are with the many victims and their families and the Minister expresses his sympathy . His thoughts also go to the Italian people and their local and national authorities that face this tragedy in a concrete way .

The events of Lampedusa have a European dimension. They tragically underline the need for a European policy on global , inclusive and balanced immigration. Control of external borders is only one element of this policy.

The EU must prevent the recurrence of such tragedies and fight more strongly against criminal networks that exploit the disarray of migrants. The EU has to develop programs to improve the living conditions in the regions of origin and the dialog and cooperation have to be strengthened with countries of origin and transit.