The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss ways in which the two countries could collaborate in addressing the issue of illegal migration. Starmer pledged to contribute approximately €4.75 million to Meloni’s “Rome Process”, an agreement aimed at tackling the root causes of illegal migration and cracking down on migrant smugglers. Despite their political differences, Starmer commended Meloni for the progress that Italy has made in reducing the number of migrants arriving by sea and expressed interest in learning from Italy’s successful approach to addressing the issue.
Italy has seen a significant reduction in the number of migrants arriving by boat this year, with a 60% decrease compared to 2023. This decrease is attributed to the measures implemented by Meloni’s government, including signing deals with African countries to block departures, limiting the work of humanitarian rescue ships, cracking down on traffickers, and deterring people from embarking on dangerous journeys. Italy has also signed an agreement with Albania, under which some adult male migrants rescued at sea would be taken to Albania for asylum claim processing. However, Meloni’s deputy PM, Matteo Salvini, is facing legal challenges for his role in refusing to allow a humanitarian NGO ship carrying migrants to dock near Lampedusa in 2019.
Starmer and Meloni discussed various initiatives, including the Italy-Albania agreement, which the UK government has shown interest in as a potential solution to the issue of illegal migration. The two leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation, intelligence sharing, and shutting down smugglers’ routes in order to effectively address the issue. Amnesty International criticized Italy’s decision to open processing centers for asylum seekers in Albania, calling it a controversial move. Despite facing criticism, Meloni remains committed to cracking down on illegal migration and preventing more deaths at sea.
As the UK continues to grapple with a high number of migrants crossing from France, the collaborative efforts between the UK and Italy are crucial in addressing the issue of illegal migration. Starmer acknowledged Italy’s progress in reducing irregular arrivals by sea and expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation with Italy to learn from their successful strategies. Both leaders highlighted the need for innovative solutions and new approaches to effectively tackle the issue. Despite their political differences, Starmer and Meloni are united in their goal to address the root causes of illegal migration and enhance security measures to protect vulnerable migrants.
Italy’s efforts to reduce the number of migrants arriving by boat have been met with mixed reactions, with critics raising concerns about the impact of these measures on asylum seekers. The cooperation between the UK and Italy signifies a shared commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis while also ensuring security and stability in the region. Despite facing legal challenges and criticism, Meloni remains resolute in her approach to cracking down on illegal migration and protecting Italy’s borders. The collaborative efforts between the UK and Italy are a step towards finding sustainable solutions to the complex issue of illegal migration and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
