Giuseppe Antoci, a prominent Italian politician and renowned anti-mafia activist, has turned his focus to Brussels, aiming to confront organized crime on a European scale.
From Sicily to the European Parliament
At 58 years old, Antoci’s journey into politics has been shaped by his relentless battle against the Italian mafia. Acknowledged as a folk hero in Italy for his courageous efforts, he has previously campaigned successfully to enhance background checks on EU farm subsidies to combat mafia fraud. Now, his ambitions have expanded to a broader platform: he aims to implement these measures at the EU level and spearhead the European Union’s initiatives against organized crime and money laundering.
His path to Brussels has been fraught with danger. Antoci has faced multiple assassination attempts due to his anti-corruption campaigns, which have drawn the ire of organized crime. He reflected on the constant risks he faces, stating, “The mafia, you see, does not forget. If they want to get back at you, they find a way.”
A critical juncture for Europe
Antoci’s entrance into the European Parliament arrives during a time of heightened violence and complexity surrounding organized crime in Europe. The drug trade, notably cocaine trafficking, has surged, with criminal organizations increasingly adopting paramilitary tactics. Public insecurity has become a pressing issue across various regions, influencing electoral outcomes and prompting calls for more robust law enforcement strategies.
As Antoci navigates the intricate corridors of EU policymaking, he recognizes the significant challenges ahead. The EU’s influence over judicial and security matters is limited, and he faces the daunting task of advocating for comprehensive reforms within a bureaucratic framework. Yet, his determination remains steadfast, as he emphasizes the importance of fortifying legal frameworks to prevent organized crime from infiltrating legitimate economies.
His ultimate goal is to transform the Antoci protocol, which enforces rigorous checks on EU fund applicants, into a continent-wide standard. He believes this could mark a significant turning point in the fight against organized crime. Antoci stated, “If I give up this fight because I’m afraid, it means they’ve won. And I can’t let that happen.”
Antoci has also gained the attention and support of influential figures within the EU, including the new Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Magnus Brunner, who praised his efforts and signaled a forthcoming revision of the EU’s anti-crime legislation.
Despite the hurdles he faces as a relatively inexperienced MEP from a smaller party, Antoci is unwavering in his commitment to serve society. He urges younger generations to become active participants in politics, fostering accountability among elected representatives. Reflecting on his dedication to combating organized crime, he remarked, “Who would I be if I would have given up? I would have felt really dirty for the rest of my life.”
As Antoci continues to forge his path in Brussels, his story serves not only as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity but also as a vital call to action within Europe in the ongoing struggle against organized crime.