ON
← Back to feed
Salvini: Italy will not accept migrants returned by Germany
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsConservative8/22/2026

Salvini: Italy will not accept migrants returned by Germany

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stated that Italy will not accept migrants returned to it by Germany, despite new European Union rules. He argued this decision is due to German NGOs operating boats in the Mediterranean to rescue migrants and bring them to Italy, some of whom then travel to Germany. Italy and Germany disagree on how to handle secondary migrants, those who enter the EU in one member state and continue their journey to another. Salvini emphasized that Germany has no right to return any illegal migrants while these NGO vessels operate. The new EU asylum and migration pact, effective since mid-June, allows countries like Germany to request the return of migrants who entered the EU through Italian territory. Since the pact took effect, Italy has refused to accept any returned migrants from Germany, citing an overburdened national system.

Italy has rejected Germany’s attempts to repatriate migrants, with Vice Premier Matteo Salvini declaring that the country will not accept any illegal immigrants returned by Berlin, even under new European Union rules. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over migration policies and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating arrivals. The dispute centers around the EU's new asylum and migration pact, which came into effect mid-June. Under this agreement, countries like Germany aim to return migrants who entered the EU through Italy’s southern coast. However, Italy has refused to accept any such returns since the pact took effect. According to official data, Italy has rejected approximately 80,000 requests for the repatriation of migrants since 2023. The government cites the national reception system being completely overwhelmed as the primary reason for its stance. Salvini, a long-standing figure in Italian politics known for his hardline position on immigration, has framed the rejection as a direct response to German NGOs operating in the Mediterranean. These groups, he argues, rescue migrants at sea and bring them to Italy, from which some subsequently travel to Germany. He accused these organizations of undermining Italy’s control over migration flows and called their activities “illegal.” “Germany has no right to return even one single undocumented migrant while German NGO ships sail the Mediterranean to land thousands of undocumented migrants in Italy and Europe,” Salvini stated. This is not the first time Salvini has taken such a firm stance. During his tenure as Minister of Interior, he was vocal in opposing both the influx of migrants via maritime routes and the humanitarian efforts of aid organizations. His rhetoric has often been confrontational, emphasizing national sovereignty and border security. The current situation reflects a continuation of that approach, though it is now being applied within the framework of EU regulations. The disagreement between Rome and Berlin highlights deeper divisions over how secondary migrants, those who enter the EU through one member state and then move to another, are handled. Italy argues that it should have the final say in determining whether such individuals should remain or be sent back. Germany, however, maintains that the EU-wide rules must be respected and that the repatriation process is essential for managing migration effectively. The conflict has also drawn attention to the broader challenges facing the EU in addressing migration. While the new pact aims to streamline procedures and ensure fair distribution of responsibilities among member states, it has faced resistance from several countries concerned about the strain on their resources and the potential for abuse. Italy’s refusal to comply with the repatriation mechanism underscores these concerns and raises questions about the pact’s enforceability. As the situation develops, it remains unclear how the EU will respond to Italy’s defiance. Some analysts suggest that legal avenues may be pursued, while others warn of further fragmentation in the bloc’s ability to manage shared challenges. For now, the standoff continues, with Italy standing firm against what it sees as an unjust imposition by Germany and other EU members.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

tportal logotportalIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 758/22/2026
Italy rejects Germany: 'You have no right to return a single migrant to us'

The article reports on Italy's refusal to accept migrants returned by Germany under new European Union rules aimed at managing migration flows. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized Germany's actions, accusing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Germany of rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean and bringing them to Italy, which he claims undermines Italy's sovereignty. The dispute centers on secondary migrants, those who enter the EU through one member state and then move to another. Salvini argues that Germany has no right to return any illegal migrants while its NGOs continue to rescue and disembark thousands in Italy. Since June, Italy has refused all migrants sent back by Germany, rejecting around 80,000 requests since 2023 due to national system overcapacity.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as a conflict between Italy and Germany over migration control, emphasizing Italy's resistance to returning migrants and criticizing Germany's NGOs. The tone suggests a nationalist stance, highlighting sovereignty concerns and blaming external actors for migration strain

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports on Italy's refusal to accept migrants returned by Germany under new EU rules, citing statements from Matteo Salvini. It references official data on the number of rejected return requests since 2023, aligning with cross-source consensus. The claim about German NGOs oper

Why objectivity (75): The tone is strongly critical of Germany and the NGOs, using emotive language like 'nema pravo' (has no right) and emphasizing Italy's stance as a moral position. While factual, it presents a one-sided perspective favoring Italy's position.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 758/22/2026
Salvini: Italy will not accept migrants returned by Germany

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stated that Italy will not accept migrants returned to it by Germany, despite new European Union rules. He argued this decision is due to German NGOs operating boats in the Mediterranean to rescue migrants and bring them to Italy, some of whom then travel to Germany. Italy and Germany disagree on how to handle secondary migrants, those who enter the EU in one member state and continue their journey to another. Salvini emphasized that Germany has no right to return any illegal migrants while these NGO vessels operate. The new EU asylum and migration pact, effective since mid-June, allows countries like Germany to request the return of migrants who entered the EU through Italian territory. Since the pact took effect, Italy has refused to accept any returned migrants from Germany, citing an overburdened national system.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced report of Salvini's statement and the context behind Italy's stance on returning migrants. It includes direct quotes from Salvini and provides background information on the EU migration pact and Italy’s refusal to accept returned migrants. There is no evident bias in措

Why factuality (95): This article mirrors the first in content, reporting the same facts about Italy rejecting migrant returns and referencing the EU pact and official statistics. No new information is added, but it maintains consistency with other sources.

Why objectivity (75): Same as previous article – the language remains emotionally charged, especially in quoting Salvini’s strong words against Germany. There is little attempt to present alternative viewpoints or balance the narrative.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 758/22/2026
Salvini: Italy will not accept migrants returned by Germany

Potpredsjednik talijanske vlade Matteo Salvini izjavio je da će Italija u budućnosti odbijati prihvaćanje migranata koje joj Njemačka želi vratiti, unatoč novim pravilima Europske unije. On je objasnio odluku kao posljedicu djelovanja njemačkih nevladinih organizacija koje spašavaju migrante u Sredozemlju i donose ih u Italiju, što doprinosi preopterećenosti sistema. Novi pakt o azilu i migracijama, koji je stupio na snagu sredinom lipnja, omogućuje zemljama kao što je Njemačka da vraćaju migrante koji su ušli u EU preko talijanske obale. Italija do sada nije prihvatila ni jednog takvog migranta, a prema službenim podacima odbila je oko 80.000 zahtjeva za vraćanje od 2023. godine.

Bias read (Conservative): Artikl ističe poziciju italijanskog političara kojeg smatraju desničarskom, te ga koristi kao glavni izvor informacija. Uključuje kritiku njemačkih nevladinih organizacija i opisuje situaciju kao problem preopterećenosti, što može biti interpretirano kao desničarska perspektiva. Također, naglašava o

Why factuality (95): The article provides the same core facts as others, including Salvini’s statement, the EU migration pact, and the rejection of return requests. It includes similar statistical data and contextual background, maintaining alignment with cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (75): The tone remains consistently biased toward Italy’s position, using strong language such as 'poručili Nijemcima' (told Germans) and focusing on Italy’s defiance. There is minimal effort to provide context or counterpoints.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 758/22/2026
The Italians told the Germans: "We will not accept the migrants you send back to us".

Potpredsjednik talijanske vlade Matteo Salvini izjavio je da će Italija u budućnosti odbijati prihvaćanje migranata koje Njemačka želi vratiti, iako su nova pravila Europske unije uspostavila mehanizam za vraćanje migranata koji su ušli u EU preko talijanske obale. Salvini kritikuje djelovanje njemačkih nevladinih organizacija koje spašavaju migrante u Sredozemlju i donose ih u Italiju, što on smatra prekršajem. Prema službenim podacima, Italija od sredine lipnja 2026. nije prihvatila ni jednog migranta vraćenog iz Njemačke, a od 2023. odbila je oko 80.000 zahtjeva za vraćanje. Razlog za odbijanje je potpuna preopterećenost nacionalnog sustava prihvata.

Bias read (Conservative): Artikel fokusiše se na kritiku Njemačke i njene politike prema migrancima kroz perspektivu italijanskog političara koji predstavlja desničarsku stranku. Korištenje izraza kao 'ilegalni migranti', 'prekršaj' i naglašavanje djelovanja nevladinih organizacija kao opasnosti za Italiju pokazuju desničars

Why factuality (95): This article repeats the same factual claims as the others, including the EU pact, the number of rejected return requests, and Salvini’s comments. It does not introduce any conflicting information or challenge the reported facts.

Why objectivity (75): The language continues to frame the situation in a way that supports Italy’s position, particularly through the use of strong verbs and emphasis on Italy’s resistance to Germany. Objectivity is limited due to the lack of balanced reporting.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories