According to reports in Italian media, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry stated on Friday that Berlin is executing a parliamentary financial support program for both civilian sea rescue operations and projects on land.
“We have received several funding applications, and the review of these applications has already been completed in two cases,” the spokesperson informed Reuters, disclosing that the funding for each project amounts to between 400,000 and 800,000 euros ($426,000-$852,160).
Crosetto, speaking to the daily La Stampa, expressed Rome’s view that the German move is “very serious.” He emphasized that the Italian government is committed to combating human smugglers, whom he believes should be treated as “international criminals.”
“Berlin pretends not to realize that, in doing so, it causes difficulties for a country that, in theory, should be a friend,” added Crosetto, a prominent member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry defended its actions, stating that rescuing people at sea is a “legal, humanitarian, and moral duty.”
Recent data from Italy’s Interior Ministry reveals that over 132,000 migrants have arrived in Italy by boat this year, a significant increase from around 69,000 during the same period in 2022.
On Saturday, the charity SOS Humanity announced it would receive approximately 790,000 euros in funding from the German government.
Italy, known for its strict stance against illegal immigration, announced this week that it would expand the number of detention centers to hold migrants pending possible repatriation and extend the duration of their detention. The government also mandated that migrants pay to avoid detention while their requests for protection are being processed, a move that has drawn strong criticism from human rights organizations.
