Italy’s Council of Ministers approved an ordinance declaring an immigration emergency after a surge of migrants reaching Italian shores. In recent days the measure has stirred consequences both inside and beyond the Alpine nation, highlighting some tensions within the far-right government. Giorgia Meloni and a real wake-up call for the European Union are central to the discussion.
These are the master keys to Meloni’s decree.
What does it contain?
The declaration of a state of emergency is an administrative act in Italy that enables rapid approval of containment measures to address a crisis. This rule is grounded in Articles 7 and 24 of the Civil Protection Law and can be applied locally or across borders when deemed necessary due to grave events of natural origin or caused by human activity. It also allows the appointment of a commissioner charged with implementing the initiatives the Government sees fit to reach its aims. The mechanism has roots dating back to 2011, when Silvio Berlusconi, then prime minister, used a similar approach after a surge in migrants arriving in the country.
What is the aim?
Despite doubts about the actual impact of the measure on stabilizing the situation, the Government argued that it was needed to respond to the rising number of migrants reaching its shores. The stated objectives include reducing congestion in reception facilities, especially the overcrowded center on Lampedusa, and expanding and strengthening centers for identification and deportation. Yet, the efficacy of the second objective remains uncertain. Italy can pursue deportations only in agreement with the countries of origin, and cooperation from those countries is not always forthcoming. Nevertheless, the decree could accelerate procedures for longer-term detention of migrants in these centers where possible.
How could it affect the EU?
The decision sends a clear signal to Brussels. Government sources described to various media, including EL PERIÓDICO, that Rome intends to continue seeking a joint European approach to the migration crisis. This comes alongside Italy’s recently proposed plan, which some observers say was discussed in a closed-door meeting between Giorgia Meloni and Pedro Sánchez: a Turkish-style solution for Tunisia. In short, the European Union may push for an agreement similar to the 2016 arrangement with Ankara, where Turkey acted as a gatekeeper in exchange for financial support. Tunisia is a major departure point for migrants, and Meloni might push for similar deals with other North African nations as well.
How long will it take and how will it be financed?
For the time being, the government says the state of emergency will run for six months. Under existing rules, a nationwide declaration can last up to twelve months, with a possible extension of another year. After that, a new bill would need parliamentary approval to sustain the measures. On funding, the government has announced an initial allocation of about five million euros, with a plan to add twenty million more for six months of operation.
What are the contradictions?
The policy has brought to light notable tensions. NGO operations are increasingly restricted, and rescue missions now entail longer journeys for rescue ships. Yet arrivals at Italian shores have not diminished. The government has announced tougher penalties for traders, but these measures have not yet reduced migrant inflows. Perhaps the most conspicuous contradiction is Italy’s demographic and labor needs. The country faces a structural demand for workers to sustain its economy. Estimates from the Coldiretti farmers’ association suggest around 100,000 agricultural workers are needed who are currently unavailable. At the same time, the government has issued only about 83,000 work visas this year, while employers filed roughly 240,000 requests. These gaps highlight a clash between humanitarian policy, economic requirements, and the practicalities of immigration enforcement.