Migrants, crackdown launched. The Colle's lens on the naval blockade

Seventeen articles and two chapters that intervene in the field of immigration and international protection, through two moves: the delegation to the government for the implementation of the EU Pact on migration and asylum, which will come into force in June, and the tightening of the measures that had been removed from the security package, with measures ranging from easier expulsions for foreigners convicted of certain crimes to the maritime blockade. But it is precisely on the flag measure that the Viminale, in agreement with Palazzo Chigi, did not want to give up that the lighthouse of the Colle has been turned on. From the Quirinale there is particular attention to the rule, as it needs an explicit reference to international treaties that, as is known, have constitutional value.

Yesterday afternoon's Council of Ministers nevertheless approved the bill on migrants, as per script, holding the line on the possibility of banning ships from crossing the limit of territorial waters for 30 days, extendable up to six months, when four circumstances recur (not only the risk of terrorism, global health emergencies and high-level international events, but also 'exceptional migratory pressure'), under penalty of a fine ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 euro, and renouncing the 'save-Almasri rule'. The naval blockade may be ordered by resolution of the Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior.

Revised crackdown on reunifications

On the other hand, the crackdown on family reunification has been revised, which is brought back within the scope of the delegation and will therefore be entrusted to subsequent legislative decrees (in this case, implementing the Return Regulation) with the intention of introducing greater rigour on both the requirements and the number of family members to be reunited. The delegation of power, which is very broad, will also serve for the implementation of the other six regulations linked to the new EU Pact (reception, qualifications, procedures, asylum and migration management, crisis and force majeure, checks at the external borders and Eurodac) with a clear indication: in the case of optional clauses, the option of greater severity must be preferred. Objective: to counter 'abuse of international protection'.

A few examples. It will be possible to exclude the recognition of refugee status not only if the migrant has committed crimes, but also if he/she is considered to represent 'a danger to the community'. It will be possible to apply the accelerated procedure for examining asylum applications also to unaccompanied minors. And, of course, the concept of 'safe third country' will be fully incorporated into national law by maintaining the national list of 'safe countries of origin'. A assist to Operation Albania that the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, intends to relaunch.