Salvini rejects taking back refugees from Germany and demands halt to NGO operations in the Mediterranean

Background of the conflict

The controversy is set against a dispute that has been simmering for months between Rome and Berlin over the distribution of migrants rescued from the sea. Italy has repeatedly criticized the fact that other EU states take in too few migrants and rely on rescues by NGOs without subsequently ensuring redistribution.

From Lega's perspective, it is a question of national sovereignty. Salvini argued that Italy has taken in a disproportionate number of migrants in recent years and should not be burdened further as long as European solidarity remains one-sided. His party had already demanded a tougher course against illegal immigration in earlier election campaigns.

On the German side, CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt had most recently loudly demanded the return of rejected asylum seekers to Germany, causing irritation in Rome. Dobrindt had argued that Italy must fulfill its duty to register and carry out returns. The Italian government regards this as inadmissible interference in internal affairs.

Reactions from Berlin and Brussels

The government in Rome has meanwhile announced that it will raise the issue at the next EU Council of Interior Ministers. Salvini called for a Europe-wide halt to private rescue ships and consistent application of existing return agreements. Without such an initiative, Italy would continue to let land all migrants picked up by international ships.

Humanitarian organizations such as the German sea rescue rejected Salvini's accusations and pointed to applicable international law. They stressed that the duty to rescue shipwrecked people applies regardless of political considerations. Italian police had seized several NGO ships in recent weeks, further heightening tensions.

Observers in Rome see the remarks as part of domestic election campaigning in Italy, where migration has been one of the dominant issues for years. Salvini is attempting to position himself as a defender of Italian interests against foreign criticism, according to sources within the governing majority.

Impact on the EU asylum reform

The European Commission in Brussels has so far not commented on the latest statements. In informal talks, however, it was pointed out that member states are bound by the Dublin Regulation and bilateral return agreements. A spokesperson stressed that the Commission expects compliance with European law.

Meanwhile, several NGOs have announced that they will continue their operations in the Mediterranean despite the threats from Rome. They see this as a humanitarian duty and criticize the criminalization of their work by the Italian government. Aid organizations called on Berlin and other EU governments to clearly stand behind sea rescue operations.

The controversy comes at a time when the EU is readjusting its asylum and migration reform. Several member states have announced reforms intended to enable faster returns and fairer distribution. Whether the bilateral conflict between Rome and Berlin will block or accelerate this remains open for now.

Salvini also made clear that his position is not negotiable. Accepting migrants sent back from Germany is out of the question for Italy as long as the framework conditions do not change fundamentally. The dispute between the two governments thus remains an open flashpoint in European migration policy.