Italy has revealed new data showing that German NGOs were responsible for bringing over half of the migrants arriving via private rescue ships since October 2022, intensifying debates on migration within the EU.

The Italian Interior Ministry has released figures indicating that German non-governmental organizations facilitated the arrival of approximately 22,500 migrants to Italian ports since October 2022. This accounts for more than half of the 42,300 individuals who reached Italy aboard private rescue vessels during the same period. An additional 4,500 migrants arrived on ships flying German flags, bringing the total linked to Germany to nearly two-thirds of all arrivals via private rescue operations.

Italian officials, including Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, have called on Germany to provide compensation for the strain placed on Italy’s resources due to these arrivals. The issue has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Italy signaling its reluctance to accept migrants returned under EU asylum rules. Vice Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has criticized German and Spanish NGOs, urging their governments to prevent these organizations from continuing operations that he claims contribute to illegal immigration.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have reported ongoing tragedies along the central Mediterranean route. The Italian group Emergency disclosed that seven people died on an overcrowded vessel near Libya, while 57 others were rescued, including two in critical condition. German NGOs such as Sea-Watch and Resqship also reported discovering distressed boats in the region. As Italy maintains strict border controls with Spain, discussions between Italian and German officials continue in search of a resolution to the escalating migration dispute.