"We contend that the lack of attention to the MS’ level is a notable gap in the realm of Europe’s external migration policies and that, for a deeper understanding of the latter, research extending to the national level is needed," write Dr Matilde Rosina (Brunel University London) and Dr Iole Fontana (University of Catania). In they recently published article, the authors present the first systematic and comprehensive analysis of the external dimension of Italy’s migration policy (EXMIPO) in the broader Mediterranean over the past three decades.
Utilising an original dataset that spans over 30 years and encompasses 125 instruments, the study investigates the extent and manner of Italy's cooperation with countries of origin and transit in managing migration flows.
The findings reveal that Italy's external migration policy is more intricate than previously assumed. Initially focused on its immediate neighbourhood, Italy's EXMIPO has gradually expanded well beyond its geographical borders. Early strategies that linked migration quotas with return agreements have progressively been replaced by more informal tools. Contrary to expectations, the political ideology of governing parties did not significantly influence the direction of Italy's EXMIPO. Instead, the evolving dynamics of migratory flows and the need for flexible, responsive tools to address increasing migration numbers were pivotal in shaping the country’s external migration policy.