Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has dismissed concerns over the potential return of so-called “Dublin applicants” to Italian territory, stating that only three individuals have actually returned since the new asylum and migration pact came into effect. The claims, he argues, are based on misinformation and serve political agendas rather than genuine policy discussion. Meanwhile, France and Spain have both rejected proposals to transfer such migrants back to Italy, with Paris maintaining its stance against sending them under the new rules, while Madrid prefers handling the issue through EU solidarity mechanisms rather than bilateral expulsions. The situation has been further complicated by reports of a distress call from the central Mediterranean, where 37 migrants are reportedly stranded aboard a partially submerged boat off the coast of Libya. According to Alarm Phone, the group is in danger, unable to continue their journey, with water entering the vessel and the craft beginning to sink. Authorities have been alerted and are expected to take action, though the exact status of the operation remains unclear. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the sea, even as European nations grapple with how best to manage the flow of arrivals. France, according to sources cited by Ansa, has decided not to join other countries in repatriating Dublin applicants to Italy. French officials emphasized that this decision reflects a broader political stance, one that prioritizes cooperation with Italy in reducing irregular migration flows from Tunisia and Libya. The country’s position appears to align with its historical reluctance to engage in mass returns, particularly given the humanitarian implications and legal complexities surrounding such actions. Spain, meanwhile, has expressed a preference for resolving the Dublin applicant issue through the EU’s solidarity mechanisms outlined in the new migration pact. Spanish Interior Ministry sources told Ansa that the government favors managing the situation within the framework of European cooperation rather than resorting to unilateral measures such as expulsions. This approach comes amid growing efforts by several European states, including Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, to transfer Dublin applicants to Italy, citing the updated rules of the pact as justification. Piantedosi, in an interview with Ansa, reiterated his belief that the controversy surrounding Dublin applicants is largely unfounded. He noted that only three individuals have returned to Italy from the approximately 50 requests received so far, emphasizing that this represents a minimal number compared to the overall volume of asylum seekers processed. He criticized opposition figures who have exaggerated the potential impact of these transfers, suggesting that such rhetoric serves more as political posturing than a reflection of actual policy outcomes. In addition to addressing the Dublin applicant issue, Piantedosi discussed the temporary border controls reintroduced following the crisis in Ceuta. These measures, which were suspended after an emergency situation led to heightened security concerns, will expire on September 1st. While the minister acknowledged the necessity of the controls due to real dangers, he expressed hope that they would soon be lifted. He described Spain as a “brother nation,” underscoring the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries despite current tensions. As the debate over migration policies continues, the focus remains on balancing national sovereignty with collective responsibility. With multiple European states moving toward transferring Dublin applicants to Italy, and others resisting such moves, the future of migration management within the EU remains uncertain. The outcome of these developments could shape the effectiveness of the new migration pact and determine whether it truly addresses the challenges faced by member states.
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