Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government approved a bill on February 11, 2026, granting authority for naval blockades to curb irregular migrant arrivals by sea. The measure empowers the cabinet to deploy naval forces to deter vessels from entering Italian waters during periods of “exceptional migratory pressure” or threats to public order, initially for up to 30 days and extendable to six months.
The legislation enhances border surveillance, facilitates deportations to third countries with agreements like Albania or EU-designated safe nations, and imposes fines up to 50,000 euros on violators, including potential seizure of NGO rescue ships. It aligns with recent EU asylum reforms allowing returns to safe third countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco, amid a 17% rise in sea arrivals to over 112,000 in 2025.
Meloni described the bill as a critical tool against human traffickers, fulfilling her 2022 election pledges to secure borders through deals with Libya and Tunisia. Critics, including center-left parties and 39 NGOs, argue it risks endangering lives, revives legally stalled Albania processing centers, and reflects a repressive approach amid broader European migration debates.
The bill awaits parliamentary approval from both houses before taking effect, as Meloni’s coalition navigates judicial pushback on prior migration policies. No updates indicate passage as of February 19, 2026.
