Rome, Italy. Italy’s cabinet approved a bill authorising naval blockades to halt migrant boats during periods of “exceptional pressure” at the country’s borders, a government source said. The measure would further tighten Italy’s approach to irregular arrivals.
Bill provisions and penalties
Under a draft of the legislation seen by Reuters, the government could ban boats from entering Italy’s territorial waters for up to six months “in cases of serious threat to public order or national security”.
Those breaching the ban would face fines of up to 50,000 euros (60,000), and in case of repeated violations could have their boats confiscated, a measure aimed at charity rescue ships.
Government stance since late 2022
Since taking office in late 2022, right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has moved to speed up repatriations of unsuccessful asylum seekers and introduced stiffer jail terms for human smugglers, seeking to stem sea crossings.
Meloni’s coalition has repeatedly argued that by operating rescue vessels humanitarian groups act as an incentive for migrants to put to sea.
EU context and parliamentary approval
The move comes after the European Parliament this week approved changes to EU asylum rules, responding to pressure from member states including Italy for a tougher approach.
Under the rules passed by EU lawmakers on Tuesday, member countries may reject an asylum application if the person could have received protection in a country the bloc considers safe.
The Italian bill requires approval by both houses of parliament.
Opposition reaction
Italy’s centre-left opposition criticised the bill.
“A repressive approach will (not) solve the issue, nor the misguided idea that a vast, structural and epoch-defining phenomenon can be addressed by building walls, erecting barbed wire or imposing naval blockades,” said Peppe De Cristofaro, a senator with the Green Left Alliance party.
Broader migration backdrop
Millions of refugees have entered Europe since 2015, an influx which has helped fuel anti-migrant sentiment and prompted a tightening of policies from national governments.
What impact do you think the proposed six-month maritime bans could have on migration routes and rescue operations?
