Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi stated that cooperation with Libya and Tunisia has prevented the arrival of 121,000 migrants to Italy in 2023.
During a hearing in the Schengen Agreement Implementation Committee, Piantedosi revealed that 550 smugglers were apprehended in 2022 and 2023, as reported by the Italian news agency, ANSA.
Piantedosi pointed out that 157,000 migrants, including 17,000 unaccompanied minors, arrived in Italy last year, compared to 105,000 in 2022, with 14,000 of them being minors.
“There was a significant increase, but it was contained to less than 50% over the months. These figures do not align with the government’s objectives, but there could have been higher numbers if we had not implemented the measures we adopted in recent months,” he stated.
He further explained that the reception system has withstood the unusual influx, currently hosting approximately 140,000 migrants.
Notably, Libya and Tunisia serve as the main departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Italian coastline from North Africa.
In August 2023, Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani defended the “Mattie Plan,” saying it is an “extremely useful tool and means to enhance relations between Italy and Africa.”
Concerns have been raised by observers regarding the suspicious nature of Italy’s Mattie Plan. Some perceive it as an attempt to relocate migrants to Libya, and other African countries. However, all Libyan stakeholders have staunchly rejected this proposal.
Tajani affirmed the need for equal partnerships, according to the Italian news agency, NOVA.
The FM made these remarks on the sidelines of the 44th edition of the Rimini Meeting. He further highlighted that “Italian action alone is not enough; it should be part of a broader European effort. When I was President of the European Parliament, there was always talk of a European Marshall Plan. The Mattie Plan is the Italian part of assistance to Africa.”
Tajani pointed out that Italy’s foreign policy aims to “enhance cooperation in the Mediterranean region, especially with North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Horn of Africa, while also emphasizing engagement with the entire African continent.” He noted that it is a political priority, and that they are moving forward in this direction.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invested around €2 billion euros in support projects for Africa in 2023, he revealed.