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.
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