Rome, Italy – January 4, 2024: Rebuking the focus on charity in tackling migration, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni laid out a vision for tackling the issue at its root: strategic investment and partnerships with African nations. Addressing European Union partners during her year-end press conference, Meloni declared, “What needs to be done in Africa is not charity but building cooperation and serious, strategic relationships as equals, not predators.”
Her words challenge the conventional approach to migration within the EU, which is often criticized for stopgap measures rather than addressing the underlying push factors driving people from their homes. Meloni’s stance resonates with a growing sentiment that simply closing borders doesn’t resolve the crisis.
The Italian leader’s call for action comes as Italy itself continues to grapple with record migrant arrivals. In 2023, Italy saw a 50% surge in migrant landings, making the central Mediterranean route the busiest in Europe. Meloni acknowledged the disappointing results of her government’s efforts to curb illegal migration, saying, “The data on migration are not satisfying.”
However, she outlined a different course for the future. Italy’s G7 presidency, which began in January, will have supporting Africa’s development and combating the challenges posed by artificial intelligence as central themes. The ambitious Mattei Plan, named after the founder of Italian energy giant Eni, embodies this strategy, seeking to expand cooperation beyond energy into infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
While details are forthcoming, this shift towards long-term, partnership-based solutions reflects Meloni’s belief that “defending the right not to have to emigrate is done with investments and a strategy.” This approach resonates with development experts who argue that addressing poverty, lack of opportunity, and conflict in Africa is crucial to stemming the flow of migrants at its source.
Despite her focus on Africa, Meloni didn’t shy away from other international issues. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, she rejected a “destroy Hamas first” approach, advocating instead for a “serious structural solution for the Palestinian problem.” This nuanced stance signals Italy’s desire to play a more active role in resolving global conflicts.