Italy Threatens to Derail New EU Asylum System, German Politician Warns

Alexander Throm, the domestic policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in Germany, has issued a strong warning that Italy's refusal to readmit asylum seekers under the Dublin regulations could jeopardize the newly implemented European asylum system. "If Italy maintains this stance, it will blow up the new Common European Asylum System (GEAS), which has only been in effect for a few weeks," Throm stated.

The GEAS, which came into force in mid-June, introduces significant changes to how the EU handles asylum applications. Key provisions include border procedures and expedited deportations for applicants from safe countries. It also establishes a solidarity mechanism, where more burdened frontline states, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, are supported by other member states, potentially through financial aid.

In return for this support, the system aims to re-establish adherence to the Dublin rules, which stipulate that the first EU country an irregular migrant enters is responsible for their asylum claim. However, countries like Italy have historically allowed migrants to move on to other nations. Italy, in particular, has largely refused to take back asylum seekers who have traveled from its territory since 2023.

According to Italian migration expert Matteo Villa, Rome has only accepted about 15 individuals back since then, despite Germany's requests to transfer nearly 35,000 people. This reluctance from Italy, and similar stances from other nations, poses a significant challenge to the GEAS's core principle of shared responsibility. Throm suggested that if Italy continues its refusal, Germany might not only have to maintain but also intensify border controls, potentially triggering a domino effect across other European countries.

The Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has continued to resist these transfers, possibly due to domestic political considerations. Meloni's political platform emphasizes a hardline stance on migration, and she faces competition from right-wing populist figures like Roberto Vannacci, who advocate for even stricter policies.

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If Italy maintains this stance, it will blow up the new Common European Asylum System (GEAS), which has only been in effect for a few weeks.