Overview
- The Council of Ministers approved a draft enabling interdiction of vessels in Italian waters during terrorism threats or exceptional migratory pressure and allowing transfers to third countries, which Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says align with EU rules.
- International-law experts contend the proposal exceeds UNCLOS exceptions, undermines search-and-rescue duties and may violate fundamental-rights protections.
- Judge Silvia Albano of the Rome tribunal warns that collective pushbacks at sea are banned by the EU Charter and international conventions, arguing the package jeopardizes asylum safeguards.
- Nine humanitarian organizations condemn the bill as aimed at hobbling rescue operations, asserting that a reported six‑month interdiction period breaches maritime rescue conventions.
- Sea Watch declares it will not comply with any blockade and announces a new rescue vessel to operate alongside Sea‑Watch 5 and Aurora.