Germany begins expulsions of migrants to Italy

Germany will begin expelling migrants to Italy starting August 19. According to reports, the first person to be transferred will be a young Somali who was supposed to seek asylum in Rome.

These expulsions affect migrants who arrived in Germany from Italy before the new European Migration Pact went into effect on June 12. In total, Germany had agreed to accommodate thousands of 'Dubliners', or migrants who crossed the border before the new European rules.

A spokesperson for the German Ministry of the Interior stated that the expulsions are in line with new European regulations. Berlin is thus implementing the EU Pact on migration, which calls for the repatriation of migrants to Italy and Greece.

However, the Italian government has stated that it does not need to take back anyone, considering all alleged 'Dubliners' who arrived in Europe before June 12, 2026, to be nullified with the new Pact's entry into force.

According to news agencies, Germany's decision to resume expulsions was also influenced by the need to curb the growing support for the AfD party, which has pushed for a hardline stance on migrants.

This situation has raised concerns among European Union member states regarding potential domino effects, especially concerning the Schengen area.