The Italian government has put forward a legislative proposal allowing authorities to impose a maritime blockade for up to six months under circumstances of 'serious threat to public order or national security.' This means that watercraft would be prohibited from entering Italian territorial waters if deemed necessary by the government. Violators could face fines up to 50,000 euros, and in cases of repeated offenses, the ships may be confiscated. This proposal highlights Italy's ongoing struggle with migration issues and the government's intent to take stricter measures.

The focus of the bill is particularly on non-governmental organization (NGO) vessels involved in rescuing migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition has repeatedly expressed the view that these NGO rescue ships encourage more migrants to undertake dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among right-wing and populist political groups in Europe who argue for tougher immigration controls.

While the bill aims to curb illegal migration, it has faced criticism, particularly from the left-center opposition in Italy, who argue that such measures will not address the root causes of migration and could endanger lives at sea. The proposal must pass through both chambers of the Italian parliament, indicating that it will undergo further scrutiny and debate, raising questions about the balance between enforcing immigration policy and protecting human rights during rescue operations.