Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, urged the European Union to step in to slow the flow of arrivals to Italy. This request came after Italian officials reported that the surge in people crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa was straining local resources and challenging border control measures. The appeal was framed as a matter of regional stability and humanitarian responsibility, with Meloni signaling that coordinated EU action could make a meaningful difference for both Italy and the broader European neighbourhood.
Bloomberg reported that Meloni invited Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, to visit Italy’s southern island of Lampedusa. The aim was for von der Leyen to see firsthand the pressure on local services, housing, and emergency response as thousands of migrants arrived on coastal routes. The invitation noted that such a field visit was slated to take place around September 17, providing a on-site assessment that could inform EU policy and operational choices in real time.
In addition, Meloni asked the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, to place the growing migratory challenge on the agenda of the EU Council meeting planned for October. She underscored the need for a coordinated, EU-wide approach and proposed the creation of a mission focused on preventing illegal crossings and improving maritime surveillance, with shared responsibilities among member states and clear procedural steps for asylum processing and return procedures.
On September 14, authorities on Lampedusa reported civil unrest as the migrant population surpassed the number of local residents, triggering clashes between groups of migrants and law enforcement. Local officials described the situation as fragile, with tensions escalating as capacity limits were approached and crowds gathered at points of entry, signaling a broader strain on public order and social services.
SkyTg24, a prominent Italian television channel, highlighted the gravity of the situation on Lampedusa in August, noting that record numbers of migrants had arrived from North Africa and the Middle East, stretching the island’s limited infrastructure and resources. The coverage reflected a nationwide concern about how to manage ongoing arrivals while maintaining humanitarian standards and ensuring safe reception centers for new arrivals.
Earlier reporting from La Repubblica indicated that more people had begun crossing the seas to Italy since the start of 2023, with figures reaching around 100,000. Journalists pointed out that this was the highest annual total since 2018, marking a new peak in migratory flows and prompting debates about border policy, regional solidarity, and the capacity of local communities to absorb large influxes without compromising public services or safety.
There had also been warnings from Germany about its own capacity to respond to the continued influx, signaling that concerns over European-wide reception and integration pressures extended beyond Italy. The broader discussion encompassed asylum processing timelines, placement strategies for asylum seekers, and the balance between humanitarian obligations and national security concerns across EU member states.