Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has voiced a desire to see more African students studying in the country.
A statement that could deepen the ongoing rift within the ruling coalition over immigration and citizenship policies.
Speaking at a Catholic business and politics conference in Rimini, Tajani expressed his belief that Italy should open its doors wider to students from Africa.
“I think the numbers of African students studying in Italy should be increased,” Tajani remarked, reflecting his commitment to strengthening ties between Italy and African nations.
His comments were made in the context of the Mattei Plan, an Italian development initiative aimed at fostering growth in African countries.
Tajani likened the plan to a modern-day Marshall Plan, the historic U.S. program that helped rebuild Europe after World War II.
Tajani’s stance aligns with his centre-right Forza Italia party, which has been advocating for the government to consider granting citizenship to foreign minors who complete most of their education in Italy.
This proposal, however, has faced strong resistance from the more hardline factions within the coalition.
Particularly from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party and Matteo Salvini’s League.
The issue of foreign students in Italy is a significant one. Italy lags behind other major European Union countries in attracting international students.
Italy’s dilemma
In 2022, Italy issued only about 25,000 study permits, compared to nearly 105,000 by France and around 70,000 by Germany.
According to ISTAT, Italy’s national statistics institute, the relatively limited use of Italian as an international language.
And the challenges of finding employment in the country are likely contributing factors to the low numbers.
Tajani’s call to welcome more African students is not just a policy proposal; it’s a vision for a more inclusive Italy that embraces diversity and strengthens its global connections.
However, as the debate continues, it remains to be seen how his proposal will fare within the politically charged atmosphere of Italy’s current government.
