Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has warned European countries that if they do not take in their quota of "migrants and refugees", his country would cease to accept their forms of currency.
His remarks were directed in particular against Poland and Hungary, who have stated they will no longer accept migrants.
Renzi, who is hoping make a return as prime minister in the next election, said he would use “the iron” fist to force countries in Eastern Europe to “respect the rules” as his country takes the brunt of the escalating migrant crisis, reports the Express.
Italy has taken in roughly 94,000 migrants this year alone.
He said: “Those who cannot stay in Italy must be accepted in Europe, otherwise we will stop transferring money to countries that do not accept quotas.”
The European Commission, which manages the day to day business of the European Union, has launched a lawsuit against a handful of its nations, including Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, to compel them to accept refugees.
Italy is a mere 290 miles from the coast of Libya, a law-and-order-challenged country in the midst of a tribal war which has seen human smugglers proliferate.
Italy therefore must contend with a higher concentration of migrants to their shores as compared to other European countries, particularly further to the north.
Rome has demanded that Brussels and its neighbors provide assistance in dealing with the deluge, as many politicians voice frustration over what they perceive as their being left to deal with the issue themselves.