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The event “Stop Human Trafficking: Cross-border Cooperation and Control of External Borders” was held in Strasbourg, in the Margaret Thatcher Room, organized by the ECR Group in the European Parliament. The meeting brought together Italian and international political figures who discussed strategies to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking, with a specific focus on the need for greater cooperation among EU member states.
A Political Commitment to Europe’s Security
Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chair of the ECR Group, opened the session by stating: “We must put an end to the Left’s hypocrisy on immigration. Europe must defend its external borders and crush the human trafficking business. We cannot allow thousands of people to keep dying in the Mediterranean because some still want to defend the migration industry.”
Carlo Fidanza, head of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation in the European Parliament, also emphasized the need for a common migration policy: “Human traffickers exploit the weaknesses of our system to enrich themselves at the expense of thousands of desperate people. A firm European-level action is essential to stop this trade and strengthen the control of our borders.”
The event came on the very same day when a declaration was made: “According to our information, Italian national law will apply to the center as it has so far for asylum. […] And in principle, this is in line with EU law.” These words, spoken by the spokesperson of the European Commission for Home Affairs, Markus Lammert, during a press briefing, sparked celebration among the 24 MEPs of Fratelli d’Italia, members of the ECR group.
Fighting Clandestine Migration and Human Trafficking
The event also included the participation of MEP Alessandro Ciriani and Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli. The latter highlighted the measures taken by the Italian government, reaffirming the importance of the Mattei Plan as a strategic solution to tackle the migration emergency at its roots.
Deputy Minister Cirielli firmly expressed the government’s stance: “The Italian and European Left bears a grave moral and political responsibility for the tragedy of illegal immigration. For years, it has supported a model that fueled human trafficking and caused thousands of deaths at sea. We are working to put an end to this disgrace.”
He continued: “NGOs operating in the Mediterranean are often, even if unintentionally, complicit in this trafficking, enabling the indiscriminate arrival of migrants on our shores. We need a radical change of approach.”
Cirielli then outlined the actions undertaken by the Meloni government, which include strengthening maritime surveillance, agreements with African countries to manage migration flows, and increasing deportations of irregular migrants.
On the sidelines of the event, Carlo Fidanza stated: “Today we received confirmation of what we were already certain of, namely that Italy is fully compliant with European law. The opening of a return center (CPR) in Albania is one of those so-called innovative solutions that, thanks to Giorgia Meloni’s efforts, are now part of the tools authorized by the EU.”
However, the issue of safe third countries remains. Following a court ruling, migrants transferred to Albania had to be brought back to Italy. On this matter, Fidanza explained that he is “awaiting the final list.” This should allow return operations to begin. He did not hold back criticism of the “politicized judiciary that carries out reckless initiatives to block policies aimed at combating illegal immigration.”
Europe’s Role and the Italian Model
French MEP Nicolas Bay criticized the migration policies of France and the EU, stating: “We need a long-term policy. The real long-term solution is to boost European birthrates. Macron is an example of laxity, but the migration situation in France has become so complex that even the Interior Minister now speaks like Meloni. This issue must be addressed together—it is vital for the future of European society.”
The Mattei Plan for Africa: A New Approach to Cooperation
One of the central points of the debate was the Mattei Plan, which Cirielli explained in detail: “The Mattei Plan for Africa is the only structural solution to the migration phenomenon. We need to invest in the development of countries of origin, create jobs and opportunities for young Africans so that they are not forced to migrate.”
The deputy minister explained that the plan includes investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure in African countries with which Italy has established agreements. He added: “We have signed concrete agreements with Tunisia, Libya, Senegal, and Ghana. This means creating jobs in Africa while reducing departures towards Europe.”
Procaccini also reiterated the importance of the project, stressing that “real help for African countries doesn’t come from indiscriminately welcoming migrants, but from giving them the chance to live with dignity in their own homelands.”
A Conservative Vision for Migration Policy
The conservative approach to immigration, widely endorsed by the speakers at the event, is rooted in the principle of defending national sovereignty and social stability. According to this vision, mass and uncontrolled migration risks undermining social cohesion, overburdening welfare systems, and increasing the threat of insecurity in European cities.
The conservative right insists on a policy of zero tolerance toward illegal immigration and calls for immediate deportations of those without the right to remain. Legal immigration, when necessary, must be planned, regulated, and limited to the actual economic and demographic needs of the country.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the permissive model promoted by the progressive Left, which has encouraged de facto open borders and indiscriminate reception policies. “It’s not xenophobia to want to defend our borders,” said Alessandro Ciriani, “it’s common sense and responsibility toward our citizens and toward those who come to Europe legally and with a desire to integrate.”
A Europe that wants to survive cannot afford to lose control over who enters its territory. Immigration must be a choice, not a fatality. A return to realism and the defense of national interests are the pillars of any future migration strategy worthy of the name.
The Human Trafficking Summit and the Role of Keir Starmer
Another key moment in the fight against human trafficking was the Summit on Organized Immigration Crime (OIC), which brought together representatives from 40 countries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for international unity: “We must dismantle human trafficking networks once and for all.”
Starmer presented the UK’s strategy to tackle the issue: “We must pool our resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream—at every stage of the journey from North Africa and the Middle East.”
His remarks were echoed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who joined via video link and reaffirmed the Albania model as a reference point. “I am glad to count on the support and cooperation of the United Kingdom in this challenge,” declared the Italian PM, highlighting the importance of a joint strategy against human trafficking.
Conclusions: A New Strategy for Europe
The event confirmed that the migration crisis is one of the most pressing challenges facing Europe, and that the solution cannot be a policy of indiscriminate welcome. As Fidanza reiterated: “Italy cannot be Europe’s refugee camp. We need a common strategy based on stopping landings and defending our borders.”
Italy, with its pragmatic approach and the Mattei Plan, is presenting itself as a model for Europe. Migration is now a central theme in European politics, and as Cirielli pointed out: “If we don’t act now, in a few years we will be in a situation that is out of control, with devastating effects on our society and economy.”
Europe is facing a clear choice: strengthen controls and international cooperation, or continue to suffer the consequences of an ineffective and harmful policy. The time for illusions is over: it is time to act.