From EUobserver · · 30s
Italy Blocks Asylum Returns
Italy still blocks asylum returns from other EU states, risking Schengen border chaos.
In brief
Italy still blocks asylum returns from other EU states, risking Schengen border chaos. Italy continues rejecting asylum seeker returns from EU countries despite EU Commission reports, threatening Schengen border integrity. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Italy Blocks Asylum Returns
Italy continues rejecting asylum seeker returns from EU countries despite EU Commission reports.
“Based on the information provided by the member states between 12 June and 30 September 2026, transfers requested by other member states continued to be rejected by the Italian authorities”
Schengen Border Threat
The dispute risks Schengen border integrity as asylum seekers move through multiple EU countries.
“It also echoes the scenario whereby Italy slapped border controls on Spain over the summer over unfounded fears that the tens of thousands of people that entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta would somehow end up on continental Europe”
EU Commission Report
EU Commission document shows Italy still blocks asylum returns as of end of September 2026.
“Furthermore, according to information received, there have been cases in which the Italian authorities returned persons to the transferring member states, despite Italy having been determined as the member state responsible”
What it means
Italy continues rejecting asylum seeker returns from EU countries despite EU Commission reports, threatening Schengen border integrity.
