Giorgia Meloni on Refugees

Giorgia Meloni's core position on refugees and irregular migration centers on preventing sea crossings and strictly controlling external borders, often through bilateral agreements with third countries. She has frequently stated that Italy is not a destination for those arriving via uncontrolled maritime routes and has committed to implementing policies aimed at turning back or sending migrants to nations outside the European Union. This approach is evidenced by her determination to continue arrangements, such as the one with Albania, designed to process asylum seekers outside of Italian territory.

Her government has pursued measures that could enable naval blockades against migrant vessels, signaling a highly deterrent stance toward new arrivals. While pledging to protect Italian interests, the practical application of these policies has sometimes involved complex diplomatic maneuvers, including arrangements that have indirectly resulted in an increase in migrant arrivals through alternative routes. Her strategy emphasizes cooperation with nations of origin and transit to curb departures rather than expanding humanitarian reception capacities within Italy or the EU.