Italy Blocks Germany’s First Illegal Immigrant Returns Under New EU Asylum Rules

Germany’s attempt to return illegal migrants to Italy failed when Rome refused to accept them back. This dispute arises two months after new EU asylum rules were implemented. The first planned transfer, of a Somali woman, did not proceed, with a church facility offering her shelter until Berlin abandons its plan.

• Germany’s effort to return illegal migrants to Italy failed.
• Rome formally refused to take back migrants.
• This dispute occurs two months after new EU asylum rules took effect.
• The first transfer, of a Somali woman, did not occur.
• The woman had entered Italy, then Germany, and was taken in by a church facility.
• The church stated she would remain until Berlin abandons the return plan.