Piantedosi on 'Dublinants': 'Sterile polemics, only 3 in Italy'

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has described the ongoing controversy surrounding the return of "Dublinants" – migrants who are supposed to be returned to their first point of EU entry – as "sterile," asserting that the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact will benefit Italy.

“

A critical event occurred in Ceuta that exposed Spain, and consequently the entire EU, to a serious threat in terms of immigration and security.

Following a critical migrant emergency in Ceuta, Italy temporarily suspended Schengen border controls with Spain, set to expire on September 1. Piantedosi defended this measure as necessary due to "objective conditions of danger," emphasizing that it had no impact on Spanish or European travelers. He referred to Spain as a "sister nation" and a "friendly country" facing similar challenges, pledging Italy's full support and cooperation.

“

Spain is a sister nation, a friendly country that faces challenges not dissimilar to those that Italy must also grapple with.

Addressing the "Dublinant" issue, Piantedosi argued that the new pact, while maintaining the decades-old Dublin mechanism, introduces significant improvements for combating irregular immigration. He stated that the rules of engagement have changed, with all member states now expected to share the burden of migratory pressure, rather than it falling solely on countries of first entry. This shift, he noted, was previously facilitated by some of those now criticizing Italy.

“

Some have deliberately confused matters or do not know what they are talking about.

The pact introduces "mandatory solidarity" tools, including relocation and compensation, alongside strengthened external border controls. These mechanisms are designed to provide concrete support to countries most exposed to migratory flows, such as Italy, and are applicable beyond emergency situations. Piantedosi credited these changes to a "significant change of pace" in the EU's approach to migration.

“

Thanks to the new mechanisms of 'mandatory solidarity,' the need to provide concrete support to the most exposed countries, like Italy, is recognized.