Thomas de Maizière

de Maiziere voiced his opposition to Mare Nostrum several times, citing an alleged “pull effect” of the large-scale search and rescue operation. He was amongst the handful of ministers who signed the letter to Commissioner Malmstrom asking for the replacement of Mare Nostrum with Operation Triton. (See Germany report executive summary; France Report: 2014 – Mare Nostrum).

De Maiziere participated in an informal meeting of G6 interior ministers in June 2014 where the topic of migration was discussed, including the future of Mare Nostrum (See France Report: 2014 - Mare Nostrum). It is likely that de Maiziere took part in other bilateral meetings among various Interior Ministers to discuss plans for Operation Triton (See Council of the EU Report: The Council of the EU and Operation Triton).

Functional responsibility for the relevant conclusions adopted by the JHA configuration of the Council of the EU, including the 10 October 2014 conclusions (adopted by consensus) in which the JHA Council endorsed Operation Triton by concluding that "the new joint Operation Triton needs to be deployed without delay." (See Council of the EU report – The Council of the EU and Operation Triton).

de Maiziere voiced his opposition to Mare Nostrum several times, citing an alleged “pull effect” of the large-scale search and rescue operation.. (See Germany report executive summary). Example: In October 2014, at the JHA council meeting, the suspect said that MN is a bridge to Europe and was aiding and abetting smugglers.

In August 2018, the suspect said that he was in favor of blocking the route from North Africa across the Mediterranean: “At the moment, traffickers are deciding who come to Europe and who doesn’t. That’s not right”.

In August 2018, the suspect said that he was in favor of blocking the route from North Africa across the Mediterranean: “At the moment, traffickers are deciding who come to Europe and who doesn’t. That’s not right”. 

In July 2017, De Maiziere (along with the IMs of France, Italy and the Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs) agreed to work on a code of conduct for NGOs. (See Germany Report, V. Criminalization of NGOs).

In July 2017, De Maiziere (along with the IMs of France, Italy and the Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs) agreed on strengthening support for the LYCG by increasing training activities and providing additional financial support. (See Germany Report, V. Criminalization of NGOs). More generally, De Maiziere's Interior Ministry was reportedly always consulted on German Libya policy (See Germany Report A.I.).

De Maiziere had detailed knowledge of the poor humanitarian and human rights situation in Libya. Ahead of the Malta Summit in early February of 2017, Merkel, as well as the Interior and Foreign Ministries, received a diplomatic cable from the German Embassy in Niger which described the Libyan detention facilities as a place with “concentration camp-like conditions. (See Germany B.IV.)