Milan loses, the hinterland grows: a reflection on migratory flows

Today's analysis, August 24, 2026, by Michela Finizio of Il Sole 24 Ore, on migratory flows offers us a precise map of the change underway in our territory.

The data from the economic newspaper outlines a clear picture: large cities, starting with Milan, are losing net residents due to the so-called "flight from cities" (Milan has a negative balance of over -22,000 units towards other municipalities). This flow, made up of families and young people looking for larger spaces and sustainable costs, is intercepted and welcomed by cities in the Milanese hinterland, such as Abbiategrasso, which should no longer be seen as a simple satellite city, but as a new territorial hub.

However, the data that must prompt a deep reflection, and which goes beyond internal dynamics, concerns the migratory balance with abroad. With over +328,000 new net residents arriving from beyond national borders, Italy demonstrates a strong attractiveness that supports the total demographic balance.

Key points that closely affect us

• The exodus from large cities: Milan records a negative balance of over -22,000 units towards other municipalities: families and young people leave the metropolis in search of larger spaces and sustainable costs.
• Abbiategrasso, new territorial hub: Cities like Abbiategrasso intercept and welcome this flow: no longer a simple satellite city, but a new reference center for the Milanese hinterland.
• Italy's attractiveness in the world: The migratory balance with abroad exceeds +328,000 new net residents, demonstrating that Italy continues to exert a strong demographic attraction.
• Exponential growth from North Africa: Morocco (+71.6%) and Egypt (+53.3%) show rapidly accelerating trends: a sign of a geopolitical and demographic transformation that closely concerns us.

Although Europe remains the main area of origin, percentage data shows an unmistakable trend: North Africa, in particular, is experiencing exponential growth. The jump of +71.6% for Morocco and +53.3% for Egypt, significant figures.

This is a clear indicator of a geopolitical and demographic transformation.