How Italy and the UK are Collaborating on Migration Issues
Migration is a global issue that has affected many countries, particularly in Europe. Over the past few years, the influx of migrants has forced European nations to come up with strategies to manage the situation, with Italy being one of the focal points for migrant arrivals. The UK, grappling with its own migration challenges, has shown interest in learning from Italy’s approach to managing the migrant crisis. During his first official visit to Rome, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed interest in understanding Italy’s methods, particularly their controversial deals with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya.
In this article, we’ll explore how the UK is looking to Italy for inspiration, the history behind Italy’s migration deals, and the potential outcomes of these international collaborations.
UK-Italy Collaboration on Migration: What’s on the Table?
When Sir Keir Starmer landed in Rome for his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, migration was at the top of the agenda. Italy, known for receiving the highest number of migrant arrivals in Europe, has managed to significantly reduce these numbers over the past year. For Starmer, understanding how Italy achieved this reduction is crucial, especially as the UK continues to face its own migrant crisis.
The two leaders discussed irregular migration, a pressing issue for both nations. While Italy deals with migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, the UK has struggled with migrant crossings through the English Channel, with incidents like the recent capsizing of a boat highlighting the severity of the situation.
Italy’s Recent Success in Reducing Migrant Numbers Italy’s success in reducing migrant arrivals can be traced back to a series of agreements with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya. These deals aim to prevent migrants from leaving these countries in the first place.
In 2023, the European Union (EU), along with Italy, paid Tunisia €105 million to strengthen border security and improve the capabilities of its coastguard. Italy also provided Tunisia with patrol vessels and pledged €100 million to support local industries, education, and renewable energy. Additionally, Italy has been training and equipping the Libyan coastguard, providing the country with resources to stop migrants before they even reach European shores.
These financial deals are similar to the EU’s previous arrangement with Turkey in 2016 during a major migration crisis. Back then, the EU provided Turkey with €6 billion to curb the flow of migrants from Turkey to Greece, resulting in a substantial decrease in migrant arrivals.
The Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Migration Deals
While these deals have led to a significant reduction in migrant numbers, they have not been without controversy. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have accused Italy and the EU of being “complicit” in human rights abuses against migrants in Libya. Reports of murder, torture, enslavement, sexual violence, and other inhumane acts in North Africa have surfaced, raising ethical concerns about these partnerships.
Furthermore, the EU’s deal with Tunisia has faced backlash due to Tunisia’s political situation. The country’s president, Kais Saied, has suspended parliament and cracked down on opposition, raising questions about democracy and human rights. Critics argue that by partnering with such regimes, the EU and Italy are supporting authoritarian leaders in exchange for migration control. Members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns, accusing the EU of “bankrolling dictators” in the region.
Outsourcing Asylum Processing: Italy’s Albania Model
Among the many strategies Italy is exploring is outsourcing the processing of asylum claims. This model involves building reception centers in Albania, where migrants rescued at sea can be sent to apply for asylum. Funded and managed by Italy, these centers could hold up to 36,000 migrants per year. If their asylum claims are rejected, migrants face deportation.
Although this arrangement is primarily between Italy and Albania, Sir Keir Starmer has expressed interest in learning more about this model. During the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace in July, Starmer held talks with Italian and Albanian leaders to discuss the potential for similar schemes in the UK.
Outsourcing asylum processing to another country is a contentious issue, as it raises concerns about the treatment of migrants in third-party countries and the accountability of those managing the process. Nevertheless, as migration numbers in Italy decline, countries like the UK are keen to explore all options to manage their own migration challenges.
Why the UK is Turning to Italy for Solutions
The UK’s current migration crisis, particularly in the English Channel, has created a sense of urgency to find workable solutions. In 2023, the number of migrant arrivals in the UK increased, with many making dangerous crossings from France. The recent tragedy in which eight people lost their lives when a boat capsized in the Channel highlights the risks involved and the pressing need for change.
Italy’s approach to migration offers potential lessons for the UK. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has acknowledged the importance of learning from Italy, particularly its work with Albania and North African nations. However, there are notable challenges. Unlike Italy, the UK is no longer part of the EU, which complicates its ability to negotiate similar deals. As migration specialist Alberto-Horst Neidhardt pointed out, the UK’s position outside the EU limits its influence over European migration decisions, potentially weakening its capacity to manage migration flows.
Despite these challenges, it makes sense for the UK to explore collaboration with Italy. Italy’s recent success in reducing migrant numbers could provide valuable insights into how the UK can address its own migration issues.
Final Summary
Migration is a complex and often controversial issue that affects both Italy and the UK. With Italy successfully reducing migrant numbers through agreements with North African nations, the UK is eager to learn from its European counterpart. As Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Rome demonstrates, international collaboration on migration is becoming increasingly important, especially as countries across Europe continue to grapple with migrant crises.
While Italy’s financial deals with Tunisia and Libya have proven effective in reducing migrant arrivals, they have also sparked ethical debates. Outsourcing asylum processing to Albania is another strategy that may offer a solution, though it comes with its own set of challenges and concerns.
Ultimately, the UK’s interest in Italy’s approach reflects the need for creative, long-term solutions to manage migration in a way that is both effective and humane. How these international collaborations evolve will undoubtedly shape the future of migration policy in Europe and beyond.
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