Italy Blocks Migrant Repatriations Amid Dispute Over EU Migration Pact

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has stated that Italy will not accept the return of irregular immigrants from Germany. Speaking at a Lega party event, Salvini argued that Germany has no right to send back migrants as long as German NGO ships continue to bring thousands of undocumented people to Italy and Europe via the Mediterranean. This stance comes as the European Union implements a new Migration and Asylum Pact that entered into force on June 12, which reaffirms the principle that the country of first entry is responsible for processing asylum requests.

An EU report from July indicates that Italy has continued to accept requests tacitly but refused all 12 requested transfers from other member states during the period between June 12 and July 7. The European Commission has warned that member states of first arrival cannot refuse transfers and must propose alternative dates if they lack immediate availability. The Commission views Italy's cooperation as essential to the success of the new pact, noting that if first entry countries fail to comply, other nations may ignore their own obligations regarding mandatory solidarity.

While a center-leaning source emphasizes the legal principles of the EU pact and the risk of the reform failing if Italy does not cooperate, a center-left source frames the situation as a direct blockade by Salvini and highlights his history of hardline policies against rescue ships. Additionally, Hungary has reportedly declared it will not accept any illegal immigrants, with Salvini expressing support for this position. A meeting between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and German representative Alexander Dobrindt is reportedly planned to discuss the dispute over secondary migrants.