The European Court of Justice (ECJ) announced Tuesday that it plans a February hearing on Italy’s controversial migrant processing policy. The case concerns Italy’s designation of what is considered a “safe country” for repatriation.
Italian courts have recently annulled the detention orders for initial groups of migrants sent to Albania under this policy. In response, 12 preliminary references on the safe origin designation are now before the ECJ.
The ECJ confirmed no case has been assigned the urgent procedure. Ten of the referrals are suspended pending the Court’s ruling on two joined cases set for accelerated review. The hearing for these cases is tentatively scheduled for February 2025.
Meloni’s Policy Under Fire
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced the migrant processing scheme as a flagship initiative to deter irregular arrivals. Critics argue the policy addresses only 2% of arrivals and imposes excessive costs. Despite this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have praised the initiative.
Court rulings have so far stalled its implementation, leading to frustration from government allies and supporters.
Elon Musk Sparks Controversy
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a personal friend of Meloni, waded into the debate by criticising Italian judges. Musk stated, “These judges must go,” prompting accusations of interference. Musk defended his right to comment, saying he was merely expressing his opinion.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who previously served as Italy’s hardline interior minister, supported Musk’s remarks. Salvini, currently awaiting trial for allegedly “kidnapping” migrants in 2019, remains a vocal critic of judicial interventions in migration policy.
The ECJ’s ruling, expected next year, could significantly impact Meloni’s efforts to manage migration and shape future EU policies.
