Ireland also sends Dubliners back, EU report to be published in October

Italy has become the latest European country to resume repatriating so-called "Dubliners", migrants who initially submitted asylum applications in another EU member state, under the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact, following similar actions by Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and now the Netherlands. The move comes after the pact entered into force on June 12, 2026, marking a shift in how member states handle migration flows under the updated framework. According to Julia Huisman-de Vries, spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, discussions with Italy are underway to establish procedures for these transfers, which she emphasized must align strictly with the new rules. The Dutch government confirmed that it would proceed with repatriations in accordance with the pact’s regulations. However, individuals who arrived before June 12 will not be included in this process. This clarification was relayed by media citing Bart van den Brink, the Dutch Minister for Asylum, who noted that the country is starting fresh under the new guidelines. Earlier in the week, van den Brink met with Italian Minister Matteo Piantedosi to discuss implementation details. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed criticism from her political opponents regarding the policy. She dismissed claims made by Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, who suggested the government's handling of migrants could backfire. Meloni argued that Schlein conflates two separate issues: the Schengen Agreement and the new Migration and Asylum Pact. She highlighted that the pact represents a positive change for Italy, particularly in managing Dubliners, by reinforcing the principle of safe third countries, making faster returns more feasible. Meloni also pointed out that since 2023, the Italian government had rejected approximately 80,000 requests from other EU states to take in migrants, asserting that this firm stance prevented the overburdening of its reception system. She questioned whether a left-wing government would have accepted such requests, suggesting it might have exacerbated existing challenges in managing migration flows. Hungary, however, has taken a different approach. The Hungarian Interior Ministry stated that the country would not accept undocumented immigrants, reaffirming its "zero tolerance" policy. It clarified that Hungary does not support quota-based resettlement or financial contributions in place of hosting migrants. While it opposes accepting undocumented migrants brought in by other countries, it acknowledged the possibility of providing technical assistance to nations facing particular pressure under the new EU rules. Dubliners refer to asylum seekers who submit their application in one EU country and subsequently move to another. Under the Dublin Regulation II of 2003, these individuals are required to return to the country where they were first identified and processed. As a result, countries like Italy, which often serve as initial points of entry for migrants, tend to receive the highest number of repatriation requests. According to recent Eurostat data, Italy received the most requests in 2025 for repatriating migrants from other EU countries, totaling 24,152, although only 85 were ultimately accepted. Meanwhile, Germany sent the highest number of repatriation requests, amounting to 35,993, with 5,377 actual transfers taking place. In related developments, the Italian government is delaying a potential lifting of the Schengen border restrictions pending the release of a report by Aise, the national intelligence agency. The government insists that any removal of the restrictions must be mutual, and officials are preparing to engage with Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani to address the situation. Efforts are also being made to mediate with Berlin on refugee-related matters. Meanwhile, Meloni discussed her relationship with former US President Donald Trump in an interview with the New York Times, acknowledging that while she believed communication with Trump would be easier, circumstances have changed. Despite the lack of direct contact with Trump for several weeks, Meloni maintained that Italy's foreign policy decisions are not influenced by personal relationships. She emphasized the importance of Western unity and expressed a preference for an independent Italy rather than one perceived as subordinate to others. Her comments on migration policies continue to draw attention, particularly as she clarifies the distinction between the Schengen Agreement and the new Migration and Asylum Pact, reinforcing her position that the latter offers improved protections for first-entry countries. With the new rules in place, Meloni anticipates smoother processes for accelerated returns, especially through the strengthened concept of safe third countries.