Italy Demands Compensation over Migrant Returns

Italy is escalating a dispute with Germany over the return of migrants who first entered the European Union through Italy before applying for asylum in Germany. Rome says it will discuss taking them back only after Berlin provides compensation.

Since Giorgia Meloni became prime minister in October 2022, about 42,300 people have arrived at Italian ports aboard private rescue vessels. Around 22,500 arrived on ships operated by German humanitarian organizations, while another 4,500 came on vessels operated by organizations from other European countries but sailing under the German flag.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has called for Germany to compensate Italy in some form. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has also urged the German and Spanish governments to rein in humanitarian organizations based in their countries.

Germany plans to return three migrants to Italy on a trial basis after they applied for asylum in Germany despite first entering the EU through Italy. Rome, however, has indicated that it may refuse them entry and immediately send them back to Germany.

Italy is also continuing border checks on travelers from third countries arriving by ship and plane from Spain.

(nius, bak)