Italy in the recent years has definitely become a hotspot for migration, both as a transit state – migration routes on land lead through the mountains in the North, often a very dangerous and unsure trail – and as a point of contact where migrants stranded on the Mediterranean are transported by NGOs. What impact does this all have on the country, how is the society influenced by the developments and how is Italy trying to manage the numbers, rising once again.
Housing Crisis, Low Real Wages
Similarly to Germany, in Italy, alongside low wages, issues such as the scarcity of housing and the prevalence of short-term apartment rentals are significant concerns. The convergence of these factors, coupled with high inflation, has led to a significant housing crisis. In major cities and metropolitan areas, the excessive burden from housing expenses, coupled with the steady rise in rents and housing prices, is increasingly impacting not only low-income households but also those in the middle-income bracket. Unfortunately, over 10 percent of the urban population in the EU resides in households where housing costs exceed 40 percent of disposable income. The rise in homelessness is inseparable from the housing crisis as well. The series of crises in recent years has further increased the number of individuals compelled to live on the streets. The combined effects of the uncontrollable surge in raw material and energy prices, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian–Ukrainian war have significantly impacted the construction industry in Italy, resulting in a notable decline. Therefore, alongside the economic decline, the housing crisis has become even more pronounced. As a result of these factors, significantly fewer apartments and houses have been built than required, leading to a substantial shortfall in supply compared to demand.
In southern Italy, the situation is critical as areas are becoming increasingly depopulated. Working-age individuals are leaving their residences due to the influx of refugees and living difficulties resulting from low real wages. In these regions, properties are already being offered for as little as one euro. The depopulated municipalities are distinguished by tent camps and ‘immigrant villages’. Certain small rural towns are drawing in young people with affordable rental apartments, offering properties for almost symbolic amounts. These towns can be appealing destinations not only for locals but also for digital nomads, who can take advantage of remote work opportunities while enjoying a warmer climate during the winter months.
Giorgia Meloni’s Africa Policy
The cornerstone of Meloni’s Africa policy is the regulation of migration. One of her stated objectives is to decrease the number of individuals aspiring to migrate from the continent to Europe. Prime Minister Meloni perceives the Italian government’s migration policy as effective, emphasising the importance of co-operation among equals in relations with African countries. According to the Italian Prime Minister, successful collaboration with North African countries led to a 60 percent decrease in illegal immigration across the central Mediterranean in the initial months of the year.
Simultaneously, Meloni expresses confidence that in the long run, African energy resources will facilitate a reduction in reliance on Russian imports. Italy aims to help African countries in achieving sufficient energy production so that they can fulfil their domestic requirements and export any excess to Europe. Africa requires development in production, while Europe needs alternative energy supply routes.
‘Our goal is to harness Africa’s potential to empower younger generations and grant them the rights that have been withheld from them. Here in Europe, there is much discussion about the right to emigrate, but little attention is paid to ensuring that people are not compelled to emigrate,’ said Meloni, who has recently focused on Tunisia, visiting the country several times.
One of the Italian Prime Minister’s primary objectives is to position Italy as a hub for African energy. Currently, Tunisia is one of the main gathering points for illegal migrants, and Italy is their destination. However, for Meloni’s plan to succeed, she will need to engage in much broader consultations across Africa.
A Reuters analysis has pointed out that upon assuming power, Meloni promised to reduce the influx of individuals arriving illegally from North Africa by enacting stricter migration laws, restrict the operations of humanitarian organisations aiding those in distress at sea, and confine immigrants in reception camps in Albania. Contrary to this, Meloni has opened Italy’s doors wide to hundreds of thousands of foreigners, offering them legal work opportunities to address the significant labour market gaps caused by the fact that Italy is one of the most aged countries globally with one of the fastest declining populations.
According to forecasts from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat.it), by 2050, Italy’s current population of 59 million is projected to decrease by almost five million, with over a third of the population being over 65 years old by that time. Thus, an energetic and young workforce would be much needed in all sectors. On the flip side, there remains a question: what impact will Meloni’s Africa policy have on Italy’s future, and how will it affect the Union’s member countries?
