BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries agreed on Friday a draft law aimed at preventing and countering migrant smuggling, which critics say could be used to target people or charity groups that try to help migrants in trouble.
The aim of the new law is to broaden the definition of what migrant smuggling involves and to increase prison sentences and fines. The agreement between the 27 EU member countries forms their position for final negotiations on the law with the European Parliament.
“If we want to be serious about protecting our borders, we need to step up the fight against migrant smuggling,” said Hungarian Justice Minister Bence Tuzson, whose country holds the EU presidency. “Criminalizing this offence in a uniform manner across the EU would play a key role in this area.”
About 380,000 unauthorized crossings were detected at the EU’s external borders last year. The police agency Europol estimates that more than 90% of those migrants who reach Europe’s shores use the services of smugglers.
The law would oblige all countries to ensure that it would be a crime for anyone to intentionally help a migrant enter, cross or stay in the EU in exchange for “financial or material benefit.” Convicted smugglers should be jailed for up to three years, or over 10 years if someone dies.
It sets fines for organizations or their representatives implicated in smuggling of up to 40 million euros ($42 million).
The draft contains a “humanitarian clause” which would “specify that certain assistance to irregular migrants, notably assistance to close family members or support to provide basic human needs, may not qualify as the criminal offence of migrant smuggling.”
However, member countries would not be legally bound to apply it.
The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), which represents 160 organizations focused on migrants’ rights, is concerned that the non-binding nature of the clause could mean more legal action against migrants and people who help them.
Its senior advocacy officer, Marta Gionco, said that the draft law “goes in the direction of more criminalization, with more people expected to face trials, fines and prison sentences simply for helping other people.” Some migrants are charged as smugglers for steering the boats they're picked up on.
PICUM says that at least 117 people faced legal proceedings for helping migrants last year and at least another 102 people in 2022. Some were charged for rescuing or helping migrants in distress at sea, others for providing shelter, food, water or clothing.
Italy has waged a legal campaign against NGOs that it accuses of attracting people to its shores by using ships to scour the Mediterranean in search of migrant boats in trouble. Italian authorities have seized and impounded charity boats dozens of times in recent years.
The reasons for holding them, often for weeks and sometimes for months, range from “aiding and abetting illegal migration” to seemingly more minor charges like maritime security “technical irregularities” or the “illegal management of waste.”
One ship was held for not ignoring migrant mayday calls while it was taking other migrants it had rescued to a safe harbor; another for “carrying too many passengers” after a rescue. An NGO spotter plane was grounded for spending too many hours at sea.
FILE - Migrants from Eritrea, Libya and Sudan crowd the hold of a wooden boat before being assisted by aid workers of the Spanish NGO Open Arms, in the Mediterranean sea, about 30 miles north of Libya, Saturday, June 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra, File)
A woman, one of some 258 people, including Syrians, Egyptians, Bangladeshi, and South Sudanese, saved from the sea in two different rescue operations on Friday is disembarked in Salerno, southern Italy, from the Doctors Without Borders search and rescue ship Geo Barents Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia, File)
GLENDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024--
Desert Diamond Arena has released details of its dramatic $42 million transformation from a traditional sports arena into a premier “music mecca” and entertainment destination, spotlighting that Glendale has become one of the largest entertainment and sports hubs in the western United States.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213997294/en/
Spearheaded by ASM Global — the world’s top venue operator and developer — in collaboration with U.K.-based Forward Associates — a leader in guest experience — and renowned design firm HOK — known for spectacular arena and stadium remodels, the project will position Desert Diamond Arena as a premier destination for concerts, events and immersive experiences.
Set for completion in spring 2025, this transformation will create an unmatched venue for unforgettable guest experiences. The popular arena’s remarkable transformation, executed by 23 local trade partners employing over 500 local tradespeople, will add a fresh chapter to its legacy as a regional leader in entertainment.
The reimagination, spanning nearly 25 redesigned spaces in the venue, is part of a broader vision to elevate the Desert Diamond Arena and its surrounding 250-acre entertainment complex, which includes State Farm Stadium; 13 hotels; and the Westgate Entertainment District featuring bars, restaurants, experiential entertainment and Desert Diamond Casino. Originally debuting in December 2003 as Glendale’s catalyst for growth, the arena is set to continue its longstanding legacy as the anchor of a destination known for exceptional music, entertainment and sports experiences.
“Desert Diamond Arena’s $42 million renovation is a transformative investment, solidifying Glendale as a premier entertainment destination in the Southwest,” said Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps. “With state-of-the-art amenities, reimagined suites and expanded programming on par with the newest venues nationwide, we’re delivering unforgettable experiences that drive economic growth, attract top-tier events and fuel local businesses.
“Glendale’s entertainment district — home to nearly 4,000 hotel rooms, convenient freeway access and more than 26,000 parking spaces — is unmatched in its scale, accessibility and impact, positioning our community as a leader in live entertainment for years to come.”
Doug Thornton, ASM Global executive vice president, arenas, stadiums and theaters, said, “This transformation celebrates Desert Diamond Arena’s two decades at the heart of Glendale’s thriving entertainment landscape while creating a destination that can draw audiences from across the region and beyond.
“The new and improved arena will deliver a first-class experience for every guest, from general admission attendees to premium club members, raising Glendale’s profile as a leading U.S. entertainment district.”
Key upgrades include enhanced facilities and guest accommodations, setting a new standard for concert venues in the Southwest. These changes aim to attract a diverse array of visitors — from music fans and sports enthusiasts to travelers seeking world-class entertainment options.
Construction is underway, creating dazzling, immersive fan experiences ranging from the street-inspired Floor Bar to the vibrant on-course Marketplace culinary creations to private booths in Studio 623. Guests can elevate their pre- and post-show event experience at the Bassline Bar, sweeping stage views from the third floor’s The View’s VIP club, and private loges in Encore for a blend of exclusivity and connection. These spaces redefine live entertainment, offering fans dynamic ways to connect and celebrate their shared passion for music and events.
ASM Global intends to replicate this successful model across other U.S. locations, setting Desert Diamond Arena as a prototype for innovative, high-impact venue experiences.
The grand reveal of Desert Diamond Arena is planned for spring 2025, capping off three consecutive years of record-breaking box office success and highlighting the arena’s pivotal role in Glendale’s evolving entertainment landscape. The renovation’s celebration will serve as a launchpad for future events, further establishing Glendale as a top national destination for entertainment and sports.
Desert Diamond Arena is home to the popular Professional Bull Riders Arizona Ridge Riders and Arizona Rattlers Arena Football team and currently hosts concerts and other entertainment acts throughout the year. Desert Diamond Arena has a seating capacity of 19,000 for concert events. The arena has 53 luxury suites and 12 suite lounge loges. Upon the project’s completion, the arena will also feature 22 Encore Club Theatre Boxes, 14 Club Studio 623 Booths and 341 Club Seats in The View.
Desert Diamond Arena has hosted numerous concerts and events of note since opening in December 2003. A string of concerts in the arena’s inaugural year included performances by Prince, Rod Stewart, Toby Keith, Britney Spears and Usher. Since then, more acts have performed there including U2, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine, Billie Eilish, Kenny Chesney, Mötley Crüe, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, The Eagles, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Harry Styles, Celine Dion, Eric Church, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Sam Smith, Bon Jovi, Khalid, Madonna, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and For King & Country. For more information, visit desertdiamondarena.com.
About ASM Global
Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers and performing arts venues. ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning, and execution; content programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored solutions; and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in while championing the welfare and development of our employees and small business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient, and vibrant community.
ASM Global’s expertise and commitment extend across existing venue management, new venue development, and transformative renovation projects across the most exciting properties in the industry, including Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong), Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana), The Moscone Center (San Francisco, California), AO Arena (Manchester, U.K.), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California), Desert Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona) and Fishers Event Center (Fishers, Indiana).
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Illustration courtesy of ASM Global.
