Borders at the French Riviera - Europe between freedom and flight | DW Documentary

This paragraph introduces Sebastien Olharan, the mayor of Breil-sur-Roya, a town in the Southern Alps near the French-Italian border. It discusses the ALCOTRA EU project, which aims to foster cross-border cooperation between French and Italian municipalities. The region's reliance on cross-border relations for tourism and activities like skiing is highlighted. The historical importance of the area as a trade route and the changes in the border's status over time are also mentioned. The paragraph concludes with the current situation where the border is largely open for locals but heavily guarded for migrants and refugees, particularly from Africa.

The second paragraph focuses on the challenges faced by migrants in Ventimiglia, Italy, near the French border. It describes the lack of state support and the reliance on charity, such as the Catholic Caritas, to provide food and assistance to the homeless and migrants. The narrative includes personal stories of volunteers like Filippo Lombardo, who cooks for the migrants weekly. Despite the guarded border, the paragraph notes that many migrants still manage to cross into France. It also touches on the impact of Storm Alex on the region and the EU's financial support for tourism and cross-border cooperation, which has been disrupted by the storm and the pandemic.

This paragraph discusses the cultural ties and joint efforts for recovery between the French town of Breil-sur-Roya and its Italian twin town, Borgo San Dalmazzo, after the natural disaster caused by Storm Alex. It highlights the historical significance of the region, including the deportation of Jewish people to Auschwitz during World War II, and draws parallels to the current refugee crisis. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of remembering history and maintaining humanitarian values when addressing migration issues. It also mentions the efforts of volunteers like Filippo Lombardo, who cooks for migrants in Ventimiglia, and their attempts to warn migrants about human traffickers.

The fourth paragraph delves into the experiences of migrants, particularly those from Sudan, who are stuck at the border due to the Dublin Regulation, which requires them to remain in the country where they first entered the EU. It discusses the migrants' reasons for leaving their home countries, the risks they face, and the challenges they encounter, including exploitation by human traffickers. The paragraph also describes the efforts of volunteers who provide meals and support to migrants in Ventimiglia, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective responsibility.

The final paragraph reflects on the historical response of local communities to refugees in the past and suggests that contemporary society can learn from these examples. It mentions the assistance provided to refugees during the war when locals would open their doors to strangers. The paragraph also addresses the ongoing presence of the border for migrants and refugees, despite EU funding aimed at uniting communities in the French-Italian Alps. It concludes with rumors of locals in Ventimiglia knowing secret routes and sometimes guiding travelers, indicating a continued spirit of compassion and assistance within the community.