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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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Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Face Deadline Pressure as LeBlanc Urges Patience

 

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc wrapped up two days of high-stakes meetings in Washington with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and several Republican senators, signaling that while progress has been made, a final trade agreement remains elusive.

LeBlanc described the discussions as “productive and cordial,” but emphasized that negotiators “have a lot of work in front of us” before a deal can be finalized. The talks come amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian exports if no agreement is reached by August 1.

Despite the looming deadline, LeBlanc insisted that Canada would not rush into a deal. “Canadians expect us to take the time necessary to get the best deal we can in the interest of Canadian workers,” he said. Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment earlier in the week, stating that his government’s goal is “not to reach a deal whatever it costs”.

The Canadian delegation, which included Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, met with five Republican senators to discuss trade, border security, and defense cooperation. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska noted the importance of the bilateral relationship, saying Canada should not be treated “as just another country” when it comes to tariffs.

While Trump has recently announced trade frameworks with countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Canada remains cautious. Most Canadian exports to the U.S. already benefit from tariff-free access under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which may soften the impact of Trump’s proposed levies.


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