Italy still obstructing asylum returns from other EU states amid simmering dispute that threatens Schengen

Italy is still not fully accepting asylum seekers returned from Germany, despite their initial entry into Europe via Italy, leading to ongoing tensions within the EU. A recent European Commission document reveals that transfer requests from other member states were rejected until the end of September 2026. Although Italy resumed transfers as of October 29, the Commission could not confirm any actual departures. This situation raises concerns about asylum seekers dispersing across Europe, prompting member states to consider reinstating internal border controls. Italy's past practices of allowing unregistered departures have frustrated other EU nations, particularly as many migrants travel through France to reach northern Europe.