Italy's aim is to improve the quality of life in African countries and thus deter migrants from seeking refuge in Europe. The Italian Prime Minister's plan is ambitious but will take several years to implement.
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The Italian Prime Minister wants to build a new partnership with the African continent. The Mattei plan was unveiled at a oneday summit in Rome attended by dozens of African leaders and European Union officials.
At the first event of the Italian presidency of the G7 (group of the seven most industrialized countries in the world), Giorgia Meloni described the plan as ambitious and concrete. The fields of action range from education and training to health and energy.
The Meloniled government wants to portray Italy as a natural bridge between Europe and Africa and use economic cooperation as a way to stop illegal immigration. The aim is to improve the living standards of Africans and thus prevent them from having to seek refuge in Europe.
According to the United Nations, most of the almost 261,000 migrants who came across the Mediterranean from North Africa in 2023 reached Europe via Italy. Italy's strict immigration laws and restrictions on sea rescue operations were not enough to stem the flow of refugees.