Italy’s asylum reception system is facing severe criticism for its consistently poor conditions, impacting the broader European asylum framework. A Dutch court recently halted the transfer of a Russian asylum seeker to Italy, citing unacceptably inadequate circumstances for refugees. This decision throws into question the functionality of EU asylum agreements, which rely on the principle of safe country transfers. The ruling highlights long-standing issues within the Italian system, which has been deemed structurally deficient for years. This case casts doubt on Italy’s ability to fulfill its obligations under European asylum law. Experts warn this could lead to increased pressure on other EU member states, particularly the Netherlands. The situation underscores the urgent need for improvements in Italy’s asylum process and a reevaluation of the EU’s approach to shared responsibility.