Italy: Meloni Hardens Stance on Immigration with Naval Blockade Proposal

The government of Giorgia Meloni has approved stricter measures on immigration, aligning Italian law with the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

In cases of threats to public order or national security, entry into Italian territorial waters may be temporarily prohibited by a decision of the Council of Ministers, following a proposal by the Minister of the Interior. The ban will last from one to six months.

Serious threats include the risk of terrorism, migratory pressure, health phenomena, and international events requiring security measures.

Those who violate the 'naval blockade' will face fines of €10,000-€50,000, with confiscation of the vessel in case of a second offense. Migrants violating the ban may be transferred to third countries with special agreements, with the aim of keeping them in closed centers outside the EU and repatriating them.

The new package of measures restricts the use of mobile phones in closed centers and prohibits filming.