🕒 Created · Updated

Matteo Piantedosi Defends Italy's Stance on Migration as Tensions Rise with Germany Over NGO Rescue Operations

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has asserted that Italy will maintain its position on migration management, emphasizing that rescue operations must be coordinated exclusively by the competent states. This stance has led to friction with Germany, as Rome resists the activities of German non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Mediterranean. While Germany advocates for the return of 'Dublin cases'—migrants who entered the EU through Italy but moved elsewhere—Italy argues that Germany has no right to return these migrants until it stops sending its own NGO vessels to rescue them. Matteo Piantedosi noted that the administration has successfully reduced landings and doubled returns through agreements with Tunisia and Libya. However, the German interior ministry maintains that cooperation between the two nations remains strong. To resolve these disputes, a bilateral meeting between Piantedosi and German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt is scheduled for next month. The meeting will address the potential for a compensation mechanism for migrants rescued by private vessels and the ongoing debate over whether NGO activity acts as a pull factor for irregular migration.

Sources