HALT

France Blocks Trains Carrying African Migrants

Thousands of refugees given EU travel documents by Italy.

French authorities temporarily blocked trains carrying loads of North African refugees who have flooded into Italy to escape the violence in their own countries. French authorities are angry with Italy for giving out temporary resident permits to thousands of Tunisian migrants—permits that allow the migrants to travel through many European countries, including France. The Italian foreign ministry shot back that the train stoppage was “illegitimate and in clear violation of general European principles,” which mandate a passport-free travel zone. But France argues the migrants must be able to prove they can support themselves financially. Migration to Europe from North Africa has become an increasingly serious issue, following the recent political upheaval across the region. They may be squabbling at the moment, but Italy and France are both worried about the influx of refugees: They recently agreed to launch air and sea patrols to prevent the mass migration of thousands from Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya.