The winds of cooperation are blowing across the Mediterranean as Italy and Greece extend a hand to each other in a bid to tackle the vexing issues of organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism in bustling tourist hubs like Athens and Rome. One might wonder if this sudden camaraderie is motivated by a surge in camaraderie or perhaps by the increasing tide of migration hitting their shores. With over 44,000 individuals arriving by sea and nearly 10,000 by land this year alone, the situation is quite literally a boatload of trouble.
Given the magnitude of these migrations, one could almost commend the European Union for the vigor of debate it has sparked, even if that debate is fueled more by chaos than consensus. It seems as if Europe is finally catching on to what Americans have been struggling with for a decade: unmonitored migration isn’t exactly a recipe for success. Italy and Greece have found themselves on the front lines, battling both illegal immigration and the accompanying specter of transnational crime.
It’s heartening, really, to see Italy and Greece taking a leaf from some wise old book and deciding that cooperation might just be the magic spell they need. The two nations are doubling down on law enforcement, because let’s face it, nothing says “we mean business” quite like a few more officers pounding the pavements of Piazza di Spagna. Together, they aim to thwart the criminal syndicates exploiting the poor coordination amongst various jurisdictions.
The narrative often pushed by some is of poor souls seeking a better life. While there’s no denying individual stories of hardship, there’s a glaring omission in acknowledging that these migration routes are often controlled by organized crime groups. These groups are not just peddling drugs but are also knee-deep in human trafficking. From grand theft jewelry on the Spanish Steps to elaborate scams in Syntagma Square, these aren’t mere street-side pocket pickers, but organized crime rings with a sinister agenda.
America, ever the land of opportunity, could surely learn a lesson or two from this Mediterranean marriage of convenience. The Italian-Greek alliance might well inspire local jurisdictions stateside to break their own sanctuary shackles and look at inter-agency collaboration as a viable means to curb crime. States like California, New York, and Illinois might do well to take notes while thoughtfully considering how their current policies might help or hinder such efforts. Even Uncle Sam can sometimes learn a thing or two from the old continent’s current playbook.
