The dispute between Germany and Italy over the handling of boat migrants has intensified, with Italian officials refusing to accept asylum seekers returned by German authorities. On Saturday, Italian Vice Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced that his country would not take back even a single “illegal immigrant” from Germany while German non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continue their operations in the Mediterranean Sea. This stance contradicts Germany’s position, which relies on existing EU regulations, including the new Asylum and Migration Pact (Geas) that came into effect this summer. Italian right-wing coalition leaders, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, argue that German NGOs have repeatedly picked up migrants in distress in the Mediterranean and brought them to Italian ports. According to figures released by Rome, alone since the start of the year, around 2,200 migrants have been rescued by these NGOs. Some of these individuals subsequently travel to Germany or other countries, further complicating the situation. The issue has long been a point of contention between the two nations, particularly due to the proximity of Italy to Africa and the Middle East, which makes it a primary entry point for many refugees. Salvini, who previously served as Interior Minister and was known for his strict approach toward migrants and humanitarian groups, has escalated the conflict. During a meeting of his party, Lega, he stated that Germany has no right to send back even one illegal immigrant while its NGOs continue to bring thousands to Italy and Europe. His remarks reflect a broader frustration among Italian officials, who believe that German aid efforts undermine Italy’s ability to manage migration flows effectively. In response, German officials have emphasized continued cooperation on migration issues. A planned meeting between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is set to address the growing tensions. Meanwhile, Italian authorities have taken action against German rescue ships, such as the Sea-Watch 5, which was detained for 45 days and fined €4,500. Such measures are part of a wider effort by Italian authorities to curb what they see as interference in national sovereignty. Italy has also rejected numerous repatriation requests from other European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland. According to official data, only three migrants were returned from European partner states in the current year, none from Germany. Since 2023, Italy has reportedly turned away approximately 80,000 repatriation applications, citing overburdened reception systems as the reason. These numbers underscore the extent of the challenge facing Italian authorities and the political pressure they face domestically. The conflict reflects deeper ideological divides within the EU. While the Geas aims to streamline the process of returning migrants to their first point of entry, it has faced resistance from member states concerned about the humanitarian implications of such policies. Salvini’s refusal to comply with repatriations highlights the ongoing struggle between national interests and collective EU governance. With the upcoming talks between Piantedosi and Dobrindt, the future of bilateral cooperation, and the broader EU migration policy, remains uncertain. For now, the standoff continues, with both sides unwilling to yield.
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