Italy’s conservative cabinet led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday approved a new anti-immigration package which includes the possibility of imposing a “naval blockade”. It also calls for stricter border surveillance, cooperation with European agencies, and expands the list of convictions for which a foreigner can be expelled. The move comes a day after the European Union approved changes to its asylum rules amid pressure from members states, including Italy, to take a tougher stance. “What we know for sure is that it remains a duty to rescue anyone in distress at sea. Since 2015, millions of refugees have entered European countries which has helped fuel anti-migrant sentiment and prompted a tightening of policies from national governments.

Source: Ethiopian News February 13, 2026 12:10 UTC