The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has formally requested that the national government refund about €16 million spent by local administrations to host unaccompanied foreign minors. The regional Welfare Councilor, Isabella Conti, addressed letters to the Ministries of the Interior and Economy, emphasizing that the unreimbursed expenses have placed a serious financial burden on municipalities providing essential care and housing for migrant children.
According to Conti, the funds are necessary to maintain the financial sustainability of the region’s hosting and integration system. The unpaid amount, she said, has made it difficult for local governments to continue providing adequate support for unaccompanied minors who rely on regional programs for shelter, education, and integration.
Conti called for a reform of the current funding model, under which the central government allocates a fixed sum every three months — a system that she argues does not reflect the real and changing needs of local administrations. She also pushed for the SAI (Reception and Integration System) to be strengthened, ensuring that migrant minors across Italy can have stable and dignified living conditions.
The Welfare Councilor acknowledged recent comments by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who promised that the state budget would reallocate resources to cover unpaid expenses from previous years. However, she insisted that until the funds are actually disbursed, Emilia-Romagna, along with the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) and several mayors, will continue to press the government for a quick and concrete solution.
Conti stressed that while the region remains committed to hosting migrant minors, it cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. “A clear, stable, and coherent national governance is necessary, based on fairness and shared responsibility,” she said, noting that local governments are currently managing a duty that should primarily belong to the state.
As of March 31, Emilia-Romagna was hosting 1,362 unaccompanied foreign minors, representing 8.82% of Italy’s total of 16,187. Most of them are housed in Bologna (33.11%), followed by Ravenna (9.99%), Modena (9.25%), and Forlì-Cesena (9.3%).
Data from the regional welfare office shows that nearly 80% of the minors are male, and 43% are 17 years old. About half are integrated through SAI projects, while the rest live in authorized educational communities. Around 77% hold residence permits for minors, while 8% have an international protection status.
The main countries of origin for these minors include Ukraine, Tunisia, Egypt, and The Gambia, reflecting the diverse humanitarian challenges Italy continues to face as a frontline EU nation for migration.
Regional leaders warn that without proper national funding and coordination, local administrations risk being overwhelmed — putting the welfare of vulnerable migrant children at stake.