On 15 October, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies has approved the renewal of the 2017 MoU with Libya on migration control, reinforcing cooperation to curb irregular crossings in the Central Mediterranean. The MoU is scheduled for its next automatic three-year renewal on 2 November 2025, unless either Italy or the Government of National Unity (GNU) formally revokes or requests revisions to the agreement before that date. The motion, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s centre-right coalition, passed with 153 votes in favour and 112 against. Opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, opposed the renewal, citing concerns over human rights violations and breaches of international law, particularly the non-refoulement principle. They proposed halting all cooperation with Libya, arguing it contributes to forced returns and migrant abuse. The MoU includes Italian training, financial, technical, and material support to Libya’s Coast Guard and border agencies. There were also protests in Rome in response to the renewal of the MoU.
