started · updated
European nations resume asylum seeker transfers to Italy
Several European nations have begun implementing asylum seeker transfers to Italy following the entry into force of the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact on June 12, 2026. Austria has already conducted four transfers of asylum seekers to Italy using public transport, including trains and buses.
Switzerland is also preparing to resume migrant transfers to Italy, with the first flights scheduled to begin gradually at the end of August 2026. Approximately 650 asylum seekers in Switzerland are currently considered eligible for such transfers. Finland has also indicated it is preparing to resume similar returns to Italy.
The resumption of these transfers has sparked diplomatic tension. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has expressed opposition to accepting migrants who were part of secondary migration flows recorded before the new pact took effect. Additionally, Italian officials have called for compensation from Germany, arguing that German-flagged NGOs have brought tens of thousands of migrants to Italian shores, and that return requests should be offset against these arrivals. Germany and Italy have expressed a desire for closer cooperation on border protection despite these ongoing disputes regarding responsibility and implementation.
Entities
Austria · European Union · Germany · Italy · Magdalena Baker · State Secretariat for Migration · Switzerland
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Italy has not taken back any Dublin-case migrants since 2022, citing an overloaded reception system. www.tagesschau.de · www.zeit.de · brandaktuell.at
- [DISPUTED] German non-governmental organizations have brought approximately 22,500 migrants to Italy since October 2022. www.aktuality.sk · plusinfo.mk · www.vesti.bg
- [DISPUTED] A total of approximately 42,300 people have arrived in Italian ports via private rescue vessels since October 2022. www.aktuality.sk · plusinfo.mk · www.vesti.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rome will not negotiate with Berlin regarding the transfer of migrants until the issue of financial responsibility is resolved. www.aktuality.sk · www.vesti.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] Italy demands financial compensation from Germany for the costs of receiving migrants brought by German rescue organizations. www.aktuality.sk · plusinfo.mk · www.vesti.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Germany intends to transfer asylum seekers back to Italy under the Dublin Regulation. www.tagesschau.de · www.zeit.de · www.it-boltwise.de · brandaktuell.at · www.utrop.no
- [● 7 SOURCES] Italy will only re-admit asylum seekers who arrived after the new EU migration pact took effect on June 12, 2026. notiziedi.it · comozero.it · www.affaritaliani.it · www.quotidiano.net · www.adnkronos.com · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Since late 2022, Switzerland has had 3,784 asylum seekers that should have been transferred to Italy. www.adnkronos.com · comozero.it · www.globalist.it · www.quotidiano.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] The resumption of transfers will occur gradually to avoid overwhelming the system. notiziedi.it · www.affaritaliani.it · istoe.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] The first flights for migrant transfers from Switzerland to Italy have already been booked. www.adnkronos.com · notiziedi.it · comozero.it · www.affaritaliani.it · www.quotidiano.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] Austria has already transferred four asylum seekers to Italy using public transport since June 12. parlamentonews.com · eurofocus.adnkronos.com · www.vol.at · www.corrierenazionale.it · www.diepresse.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 40 percent of the 3,784 asylum seekers in Switzerland have obtained protection. www.adnkronos.com · www.globalist.it