MEP Stefano Cavedagna Urges Increased Measures to Address Crime in Bologna

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