Meloni defends Italy against EU migrant returns, criticizes Trump

On August 21, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to criticism from opposition leader Elly Schlein over the transfer of migrants to Italy under EU rules, dismissing claims of a 'boomerang effect.' In an interview with the New York Times, Meloni also said she expected cooperation with US President Donald Trump to be easier, given their shared political ground, but stressed she does not want Italy to be submissive. She reaffirmed her commitment to Western unity and said she would see whether to speak with Trump soon. The dispute centers on 'Dublin cases,' where migrants are returned to the EU country of first entry, with the Netherlands now also transferring migrants to Italy.