Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has said her government is beginning to see positive results in its tough stance against migrant smuggling. She noted that the number of migrants arriving in Italy has fallen, while deaths and people missing at sea have also reduced. According to her, these are clear signs that her policies are working and producing results.
Meloni made the comments on September 11 while speaking at the Italian Coast Guard’s Global Summit, held to mark the 160th anniversary of the country’s Naval Port Authorities. She described migrant trafficking as one of the most profitable crimes in the world and compared it to modern slavery. She warned that this dangerous trade has already led to the death of more than 9,000 people on migration routes in 2024 alone.
The Italian leader stressed that her government will not stop until migrant smuggling is fully addressed. She said fighting this crime is not just about protecting Italy’s borders but also about protecting human lives and reducing the power of international criminal networks. She explained that if the government ignores the problem, more people will die while making unsafe journeys across the Mediterranean.
Meloni insisted that governments have only two choices when facing such a crisis: either give up or act with courage. She made it clear that Italy has chosen to act with stronger commitment and new ideas. She urged other countries in Europe to do the same, adding that the results seen so far prove that migration can be managed with clear policies and determination.
She also highlighted that the dramatic fall in migrant arrivals and deaths at sea is evidence that change is possible. According to her, this shows that migration does not have to be a problem without solutions. She argued that the international community must reject selfish and political approaches to the issue and instead work together to create practical and fair solutions.
The Premier praised the Italian Coast Guard for its vital role in the fight against smugglers. She said the Coast Guard has shown exceptional skills in saving lives at sea and in preventing criminal groups from carrying out their operations. She added that their expertise has been a key part of the government’s success in reducing migrant deaths and stopping illegal activities.
Meloni also said that fighting migrant trafficking should be seen as a global responsibility. She explained that Italy is not only working to stop mafia groups at sea but also trying to tackle the root causes of migration, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and conflict in home countries. By creating better cooperation models and supporting development in affected regions, she believes fewer people will feel forced to risk their lives at sea.
Her message was clear: the fight against migrant smuggling is not over, but Italy is proving that determined action can make a real difference. With fewer arrivals and fewer lives lost, the government is presenting itself as a strong example of how migration challenges can be addressed through security, cooperation, and humanitarian responsibility.