Italy has expressed concerns about Germany’s decision to financially support migrant charity organisations operating in the Mediterranean.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said that this move by Germany is causing difficulties for Italy as it attempts to implement stricter measures to reduce the influx of sea arrivals.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry confirmed that Berlin is implementing a parliamentary financial support program for both civilian sea rescue operations and land-based projects.
The spokesperson mentioned that they have already reviewed several funding applications, with each project receiving between 400,000 and 800,000 euros.
Guido Crosetto, speaking to La Stampa, characterised Germany’s actions as “very serious” and emphasised that the Italian government’s primary focus is combating human smugglers, whom they consider international criminals.
Recent data from Italy’s interior ministry reveals a significant increase in sea arrivals, with over 132,000 migrants reaching Italy by boat this year, compared to approximately 69,000 during the same period in 2022.
