(L-R) Léon Gloden, Luxembourg’s Minister for Home Affairs; Matteo Piantedosi, Italy’s Minister of the Interior; Credit: MAINT

Luxembourg’s Minister of Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, paid a working visit to Rome, Italy from Tuesday 13 to Wednesday 14 May 2025

In a press release, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that, while in Rome, Minister Gloden met with his Italian counterpart, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi.

During this bilateral meeting, Minister Gloden recalled the historical ties of friendship between Luxembourg and Italy. He also reaffirmed the importance of working together to address common challenges in the areas of immigration and security, particularly in the context of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as drug trafficking. The minister also reiterated the principles of responsibility and solidarity and welcomed Italy's openness to reconsider its position on Dublin transfers. He expressed satisfaction with the meeting, saying: "During this meeting, we also had a very good exchange on issues of common concern and on which we are aligned, particularly regarding returns." 

The ministry added that a meeting with representatives of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) allowed Minister Gloden to gain insight into the migration challenges ahead.

The minister also had the opportunity to visit the Italian International Coordination Centre (ICC) and National Coordination Centre (NCC), as well as the reception centre in Lampedusa, where he met with the various organisations responsible for welcoming migrants upon their arrival. In addition, he accompanied the team at the controls of the Luxembourg Air Services (LAS) helicopter, provided by the Luxembourg government, during an observation flight for aerial surveillance missions and the rescue of migrants in distress in the Mediterranean.

According to the ministry, the minister was able to appreciate the extent to which Luxembourg is considered a reliable partner by the authorities, during the various discussions. The ministry added that the provision of the helicopter is greatly appreciated for its useful and effective contribution.