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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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Wildfire Reaches Athens’ Outskirts, Prompting Evacuations

 

A fast-moving wildfire, driven by gale-force winds, has spread to the edge of Athens, Greece, torching trees, houses, and cars. The blaze has forced the evacuation of several hospitals and numerous towns and villages.

Key Points:

  • Firefighting Efforts: Over 670 firefighters, supported by volunteers, 183 fire engines, and 32 waterbombing planes and helicopters, are battling the fire.
  • Evacuations: At least 250 people have been evacuated, with some spending the night in shelters.
  • Weather Conditions: Strong winds and high temperatures are exacerbating the situation, with flames reaching heights of 25 meters (82 feet).
  • Government Response: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has returned from a holiday to oversee the response, recalling the devastating 2018 fire in Mati.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue to combat the blaze and protect residents.

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