Politics
The event •
The Piantedosi model: he responds to Sánchez, tightens ties with Algeria and revives the return hubs. The EU summit takes place today
Following the clash with Madrid, the Home Secretary is defending the figures on arrivals and attempting to shift the migration issue to the European level. Agreements with third countries, hubs outside the EU and the Albanian model as a pilot for a new strategy. Today’s video conference with his European counterparts
The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Pintedosi – photo: LaPresse
The row with Spain continues, with both sides trading figures. Compared to a few weeks ago – following the Ceuta incident – Matteo Piantedosi’s stance is firmer. And in response to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Foreign Minister, who accuse Italy of being “absolutely inundated with irregular migrants”, with “recurring crises” on the island of Lampedusa that “it is unable to resolve”, the minister counters with figures: “In Italy, there has been a 55 per cent drop in irregular landings compared with 2025 and an 82 per cent drop compared with 2023,” he writes in a statement from the Interior Ministry, which nevertheless dispels the notion of an emergency.
Piantedosi sends a message to his Spanish counterpart: Lampedusa? “As for the alleged ‘invasion’, there are currently 98 migrants on the island and there has been no emergency situation there for some time.” It is a back-and-forth that has been going on for a few days, ever since Meloni announced the suspension of Schengen. The issue will be discussed again at the European summit – via videoconference; ministers will each speak for three minutes – scheduled for this morning. Palazzo Chigi requested this, together with Denmark. But this position is supported by 20 other countries, including Germany (on the other side are Spain and France). Piantedosi will reiterate the need for a European response, to strike agreements – in line with EU law – with third countries to open the hubs as soon as possible. Perhaps with a system of incentives – including financial ones – for third countries.
It is a revival of the ‘Albania model’, but with a European twist. Speculation is rife regarding Rwanda, Uganda and Montenegro (which is set to join the EU in 2028). However, ‘it is still premature’, according to sources at the Ministry of the Interior. What is certain, however, is that yesterday Piantedosi received his Algerian counterpart, Saïd Sayoud, at the ministry to discuss precisely the issues of migration flows, the fight against human traffickers and the halting of departures: “A shared objective” with what is described as “a strategic partner” with whom “we enjoy a privileged relationship”. Time will tell. In the meantime, Piantedosi is back in the spotlight ahead of the EU summit and is pushing Salvini away from the Ministry of the Interior. “Me at the ministry? The Italians will decide,” says the League leader. He’ll have to come up with another announcement for Pontida.
