Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to push for the implementation of a naval blockade of North Africa at an E.U. meeting next month to stem the waves of illegal immigrants coming into Europe. Meloni said, “What is at stake is the future of Europe because the future of Europe depends on its capacity to deal with the huge challenges of our time.” Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the Italian island of Lampedusa over the weekend, where more than 10,000 migrants arrived from Africa in one week, overwhelming the island of 6,000. In addition to support from von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that a “European-level” response is needed. Germany has also reversed it’s decision from last week to stop admitting immigrants who entered Europe through Italy. While a blockade would likely be popular with Italians, one expert says Italy could face condemnation from other E.U. countries for such a move.
