Meloni's Migration Policies Align with EU Strategies
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has asserted that the country's migration policies have now aligned with those of the European Union. During a recent address in the Chamber, she emphasized the importance of addressing illegal migration through a comprehensive approach rather than merely redistributing migrants across EU member states. Meloni highlighted the necessity of strengthening external borders and tackling the root causes of migration to effectively manage the influx of illegal migrants. This statement came as she summarized the key points from a letter by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlining a program aimed at addressing illegal migration in Europe.
Significant Decline in Mediterranean Migration
Recent reports from the EU border protection agency Frontex indicate a notable decline in illegal migration into Europe, attributed largely to Meloni's tough asylum policies. As of September 2024, illegal border crossings have decreased by 42% compared to the previous year, with significant reductions observed in the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean routes. From January to September 2024, Frontex recorded approximately 47,710 illegal crossings via the central Mediterranean route, marking a significant drop from previous years.
The Italian government credits its stringent measures, including agreements with Tunisia and Albania aimed at curbing migration. These agreements involve financial support to Tunisia in exchange for reducing the number of migrants departing for Europe. While the government celebrates the decline in arrivals, experts caution that such tough policies may not be sustainable in the long term and could potentially harm Europe's international reputation.
