In an exclusive statement to The Brussels Morning Newspaper, MEP Stefano Cavedagna highlighted the significance of the newly opened Carabinieri barracks in Bologna’s Pilastro district as a crucial step toward restoring security, legality, and community trust. He emphasized the role of concerted local and national support, alongside targeted government initiatives, in effectively combating organized crime and outlined how the Pilastro model could inspire similar efforts in other urban areas facing security challenges.
Who is Stefano Cavedagna?
Stefano Cavedagna is a dedicated Member of the European Parliament known for his focus on security, public order, and social cohesion. Representing Italy, he has actively engaged in policies addressing crime prevention, community safety, and the integration of law enforcement efforts within vulnerable neighborhoods. His experience brings valuable insights on balancing enforcement and community trust across urban settings.
On the impact of the new Carabinieri barracks in Pilastro
Asked by The Brussels Morning Newspaper about the contribution of the new Carabinieri station to security and legality in the Pilastro neighborhood, MEP Stefano Cavedagna stated,
“With the opening of the new Carabinieri station in the Pilastro district, in a place sadly known for the assassination of the three heroic Carabinieri Mitilini, Moneta and Stefanini at the hands of the ‘Uno Bianca’ gang, Bologna regains an important stronghold of legality and security. The Pilastro neighborhood is frequently affected by events such as drug dealing, violence and illegal occupations of apartments.”
He added that
“this new presence was made possible by the so called ‘Suburbs Program’ provided by the Meloni Government, which funded the building. An investment that shows attention and commitment to the most vulnerable areas through concrete actions.”
Cavedagna expressed confidence that
“the new station will play a decisive role in restoring a sense of protection and trust to the citizens of Pilastro and to the entire City, reaffirming the values of justice and closeness.”
He also said in his Facebook post,
On the role of local and national support in fighting organized crime
Regarding the question of local and national support in combating organized crime, Stefano Cavedagna told The Brussels Morning Newspaper,
“Thanks to initiatives and measures like these, it is possible to provide a concrete response to the issue of security and of the fight against crime, by acting directly in the communities. A new Carabinieri station, on one hand, allows to get closer to citizens, while on the other hand, it plays an important deterrent role.”
He drew a parallel with the Ponticella neighborhood’s transformation after the Guardia di Finanza station was built at the end of the 1980s, noting this
“achieved one of the highest levels of residential demand around the city.”
He also stressed that
“in a city like Bologna, where the permissive policies of the Left have allowed illegal activities to grow, taking action by building new police stations and employing a higher number of officers was necessary,”
highlighting the Meloni Government’s commitment to this effort. However, Cavedagna emphasized that
“it is essential that the Mayor does his part and implements concrete actions within his responsibilities. Local police checks, installing cameras and providing public lighting are needed.”
On the potential of the Pilastro initiative as a model for other urban areas
When asked how the Pilastro initiative could serve as a model for other areas, the MEP replied,
“The Meloni government is doing a great job in terms of public order. Just think of the ‘Caivano Model,’ where, thanks to safety measures, urban redevelopment, and social and educational initiatives, it has been possible to transform an area marked by severe degradation and insecurity into a true example of how the State’s presence in local communities can make a difference.”
He also pointed to “the approval of the new Security Decree” which “provides new laws to protect law enforcement officers.” Additionally, Cavedagna highlighted the connection between security and migration policies, stating that
“the majority of crimes are committed by irregular immigrants. The security measures the Government is implementing are also accompanied by a new migration and repatriation policy, which is essential to address the problem at its root.”
He concluded by citing tangible results in Pilastro:
“With the new Carabinieri station in Pilastro, we are also beginning to witness tangible results: every day we read of reports of interventions and arrests carried out by our courageous officers. This is the right way to go.”
MEP Stefano Cavedagna’s views underline the critical importance of state presence, strong law enforcement, and cohesive policy to rebuild trust and safety in vulnerable urban districts while advocating for coordinated local and national efforts.
