The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, chaired, this Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the headquarters of the ministry, the second annual meeting of the mixed development cooperation committee as well as the eleventh plenary session of the National Council for Development Cooperation. He was accompanied by the Vice-Minister Edmondo Cirielli.
According to the Italian news agency NOVA, discussions led to the approval of a program of 20 million euros, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (OIM).
This program aims to facilitate the voluntary return of around 3,300 migrants belonging to vulnerable categories present in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya to their countries of origin.
This project is part of a wider migration flow management strategy adopted by Italy and the European Union. It emphasizes the desire to promote human and sustainable solutions for migrants who are in precarious situations in transit countries. By providing financial and logistical support to these migrants, the initiative seeks to reduce the risks linked to illegal immigration and to offer viable alternatives to dangerous migratory paths.
The involvement of the IOM in this project guarantees a framework in accordance with international standards for the protection of migrants’ rights. This organization, which collaborates closely with governments and civil society, will ensure that these returns are being compared to the dignity and security of the persons concerned.
This initiative reaffirms the commitment of Italy to deal with the migration question by a cooperative and united approach, involving countries of origin and transit in the search for sustainable solutions. It could also inspire other European countries to adopt similar measures for more humanitarian management of migratory flows in the Mediterranean.
