The Italian government is preparing to approve a maritime blockade for migrants
The Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, is set to discuss new migration measures, including a proposed maritime blockade for migrants, as part of upcoming legislation.
The Italian government, under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, is scheduled to review new migration measures aimed at addressing the ongoing migration crisis during its Wednesday meeting. One of the significant proposals includes a maritime blockade aimed at limiting the entry of certain vessels into Italian territorial waters. This move is part of a broader legislative package that seeks to align Italian law with the upcoming EU migration pact, expected to come into effect in June.
The maritime blockade, promised during the government's electoral campaign prior to the 2022 parliamentary elections, could enforce a ban on specific types of vessels entering Italian waters for an initial period of 30 days, which may be extendable up to six months. Such measures may be implemented in response to terrorism threats, significant international events, or excessive migratory pressures. If passed, the measure would provide the government with more control over migration flows and allow for the redirection of migrants to their countries of origin or to countries with which Italy has bilateral agreements for migrant reception, such as Albania.
Additionally, the government intends to leverage the new EU rules to further fortify its stance on migration. This decision reflects a growing trend among EU nations to adopt stricter migration policies, highlighting the complexities and challenges of migration management within the region. The implications of this maritime blockade could have significant consequences on migration patterns in the Mediterranean and the broader European context.