Germany and Italy Clash Over Migrant Returns Under new EU Asylum Rules

Since June, the new EU asylum system known as GEAS is in operation, intensifying disputes between Germany and Italy on migrant responsibility. Germany has initiated efforts to transfer migrants back to Italy based on the Dublin Regulation, which requires asylum seekers to apply in the first EU country they enter. However, Italy refuses to accept these returns, arguing its overwhelmed reception system cannot manage additional cases. Italy has effectively stopped accepting Dublin cases since 2022.

A vivid example in this dispute is a 22-year-old Somali woman who fled Italy to seek asylum in Germany and is now under church asylum protection in Germany, making her return unlikely. Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi referenced a political agreement concerning ‘old cases’ predating GEAS but there is disagreement on whether this applies to migrants already in Germany. Furthermore, Italy demands compensation from Germany for migrants rescued by German-flagged NGOs, claiming the rescues exacerbate the migrant flow.

Despite these tensions, both countries emphasize ongoing cooperation on migration issues. However, the approaching elections in Italy and Germany are driving political leaders toward stricter migration policies to counter far-right electoral pressures. This conflict highlights broader EU challenges in balancing humanitarian aid with migration control under new legislative frameworks.

The dispute underscores the complexity of enforcing pan-European asylum rules when member states face divergent capacities and political pressures, leaving the migrant responsibilities issue unresolved as of August 19, 2026.