“Those who believe that migration is necessary and indispensable are in fact acting selfishly,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, emphasizing her government’s approach to curbing irregular migration while promoting development and cooperation across the continent. The speech came shortly after Italy approved a new immigration bill authorizing the Italian Navy to block vessels carrying migrants during periods of “exceptional pressure,” underscoring the government’s dual focus on security and international partnership.

Italy's Meloni at African Union:

Those who believe that migration is necessary and indispensable are in fact acting selfishly.

If young people leave their land… what will become of the history, culture, and existence of the country they have abandoned? pic.twitter.com/jRe42yZkPR

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 14, 2026

Meloni opened her address by expressing gratitude for the invitation to participate in the assembly of African heads of state, calling it “a recognition that can only make Italy proud” and emphasizing the country’s historical commitment to dialogue and cooperation. She framed Italy’s foreign policy as grounded in mutual respect, stating that true cooperation is a relation “between equals” and cannot exist when one party seeks to dominate or exploit another.

The Prime Minister’s remarks coincided with a major policy development in Italy. The government recently approved a 17-article immigration bill enabling the Italian Navy to block vessels carrying migrants during periods of “exceptional pressure.” The law, part of Meloni’s center-right government program, authorizes fines for ships violating the blockade and allows for the confiscation of repeat offenders’ vessels. Migrants intercepted under the policy may be redirected to third countries with which Italy has reception agreements.

Italy's Meloni moves to allow naval blockades against migrants https://t.co/Te6QBmn0kW https://t.co/Te6QBmn0kW

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The legislation also tightens criteria for special protection, requiring at least five years of legal residence, knowledge of Italian, adequate housing, and financial stability. Judicial authority to expel migrants now extends to serious crimes, family-related offenses, and participation in riots within detention facilities. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the measures as essential to defending Italy’s borders and managing migratory flows more effectively.

The bill has faced criticism from opposition parties, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations, with groups like Sea-Watch Italy and Emergency warning that the law could endanger migrants at sea and restrict humanitarian operations. The legislation aligns with broader EU rules allowing member states to reject asylum applications when protection could be sought elsewhere, reinforcing Italy’s push for coordinated European action on migration.

Meloni concluded her speech by calling for a broader alliance between Europe and Africa focused on education, research, and innovation, aiming to foster local talent rather than extracting it. She invoked Pliny the Elder’s observation that “something new always arises from Africa” and urged participants to pursue ambitious initiatives that can transform the continent and strengthen cooperation with Italy.

The Prime Minister’s address and the new legislation illustrate Italy’s approach to migration: combining maritime enforcement with development partnerships and investment in human capital, positioning the country as both a gatekeeper of its borders and a strategic partner for African nations seeking stability and growth.