The Iron Ladies of Europe find common cause on migration

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 AUGUST 2026 —

Europe’s ‘Iron Ladies’ Forge Unlikely Alliance on Migration, Shaping Regional Policy

The right-wing Meloni and centre-left Frederiksen, the only two women currently leading EU member states, have found common ground in adopting a hardline stance on immigration, despite their starkly different political backgrounds. Their collaboration has not only strengthened their individual political positions but also influenced broader European migration strategies.

Since Meloni became Italy’s first female prime minister in October 2022, the two leaders have held multiple informal meetings to build a coalition pushing for stricter EU migration policies. Their efforts have yielded key policy shifts, including changes to deport migrant criminals and the establishment of third-country return hubs for unsuccessful asylum seekers. Italy’s recent agreement with Albania to host migrant processing centres—though facing legal challenges—exemplifies this approach.

The partnership gained further momentum in recent weeks when Meloni and Frederiksen rallied 20 other European leaders to pressure Spain over the Ceuta migrant surge, demanding an emergency EU meeting. Their joint letter on social media this week underscored their shared vision, borrowing from Australia’s border security model to reinforce European values.

“We both are proud of Europe’s Christian cultural heritage and want to protect it,” the letter stated. “We expect those who come to our countries and choose to make Europe their home to respect our values and not impose a way of life upon us that we do not want.”

Meloni’s government has also clashed with Germany over the Dublin Regulation, which requires asylum seekers to be processed in their first EU entry point. Berlin’s plan to deport a 22-year-old Somali woman to Italy on 19 August has intensified tensions, with Meloni refusing to accept the transfer. Meanwhile, Frederiksen has used the alliance to counter domestic criticism from Denmark’s right-wing Danish People’s Party, which has pushed for stricter border controls.

Political analysts suggest the Meloni-Frederiksen partnership serves as a masterclass in wedge politics, allowing both leaders to strengthen their positions ahead of upcoming elections. Meloni, who is set to surpass Silvio Berlusconi’s record of 1,412 continuous days in office on 4 September, has used the alliance to deflect criticism from both the left and far-right factions in Italy. Frederiksen, Denmark’s youngest-ever prime minister, has similarly leveraged the partnership to fend off challenges from populist parties.

The collaboration has also drawn international attention, with observers noting how two ideologically opposed leaders have united on a contentious issue. Their joint stance contrasts with broader EU divisions on migration, where countries remain split on burden-sharing and asylum policies.

For Malaysia, the developments in Europe carry implications for regional migration dynamics. As the EU tightens its borders, neighbouring countries may face increased pressure to manage migrant flows. The bloc’s shift toward external processing centres could also influence Southeast Asian discussions on asylum seeker policies.

Stakeholders in both Italy and Denmark have framed the alliance as a pragmatic response to migration challenges. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has emphasised the need for “innovative solutions” beyond Europe’s borders, while Danish officials have defended their approach as necessary to preserve national security.

Looking ahead, Meloni and Frederiksen are expected to deepen their coordination, particularly as Italy prepares for elections next year. Their partnership may set a precedent for future EU migration policies, though critics argue it risks undermining humanitarian principles.

As former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once remarked, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.” Whether this alliance will ultimately benefit Europe—or further polarise its politics—remains an open question.