Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, is advancing her government’s immigration agenda with a new law intended to tighten restrictions against illegal immigration. As promised during her election campaign in 2022, her government is proposing a naval blockade around Italy to prevent migrant boats from reaching its shores, as well as blocking vessels from NGOs that provide aid to these migrants. This move reflects a significant escalation in Italy's approach to managing migrant inflows, aiming to bolster security and control over its borders.

In her latest speech, Meloni emphasized the need to tackle the 'abuse' of international protection requests by migrants, signaling a shift towards stricter criteria and enhanced scrutiny of asylum applications. Additionally, she intends to introduce a list of 'safe' countries to expedite the rejection process for migrants coming from those regions. The Interior Ministry's proposed law consists of 17 articles aimed at reinforcing Italy's stance on immigration and ensuring that the country adheres to its security obligations while addressing domestic concerns about migration.

This development not only showcases Meloni's commitment to her campaign promises but also represents a broader trend across Europe, as other countries grapple with similar issues of immigration and asylum policies. The implications of these changes could influence European Union regulations and response strategies, highlighting the evolving political landscape regarding migration in the region.