The New Pact on Migration and Asylum had not even had time to be published in the EU's official gazette before 15 EU member states, including Italy, began calling on the European Commission to introduce new measures to curb migrant arrivals.

The letter, of which ANSA has seen a copy, mentions previously signed agreements with Turkey and Tunisia as well as the Italy-Albania agreement.

The EU executive has confirmed receiving the document but noted that it would need time to study the text, calling it "complex".

• The 15 countries to sign the letter were: Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Greece; Italy; Cyprus; Latvia; Lithuania; Malta; Netherlands; Austria; Poland; Romania; Finland.

Germany, France and Spain did not sign.

The growth of the far-right in Europe, with the formation of ever more radical coalition governments, has brought with it firmer positions by several member states that have linked migration control to protecting their identity and culture.

In the Netherlands, following months of talks, right-wing representative Geert Wilders - whose party won the 22 November elections - has announced an agreement with other political parties to form a government. The agreement includes strict measures against migration, such as "more deportations, including by force if necessary."

The letter claims that their "responsibility" consists in supporting stability and social cohesion as well as avoiding the risk of polarization of European societies and the loss of unity in the EU member state "family".

It touches on the topic of the political exploitation of the issue of migrants, citing cases pertaining to Russia and Belarus, and called on the European Commission to strengthen the legal framework as soon as the New Pact is implemented.

Invitation to cooperate with third countries

The heart of the proposals is in strengthening the external dimension through establishing partnerships that are mutually advantageous and long-lasting with the main partner nations along migration routes and through outsourcing some procedures - an idea that has so far been rejected by Brussels.

"Possible safe places and transit mechanisms, inspired by existing transit and emergency mechanisms, could be explored", the letter says, citing the Italy-Albania agreement.

It goes on to suggest potential cooperation with third countries and repatriation hubs where those marked for repatriation could be transferred while waiting their final destination.

Moreover, to reduce the overall pressure on migration management, the letter states that it is important for member states to have the possibility to transfer asylum seekers for whom a safe alternative is available in a third country.

It encourages the European Commission to present a proposal to designate safe third countries at the EU level, in line with - according to the signatories - the new asylum and migration pact, as well as to look into the ways to put into practice proposals on the basis of the existing legal framework while complying with international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement.