Italy will continue its plan to establish migrant processing centres in Albania, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Monday.
The government met to discuss the policy, which aims to deter illegal immigration through Italian-operated centres in Albania.
“This path has been recognised by the European Union,” Tajani said, citing support from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We will combat human traffickers and respect EU rules. These innovative solutions are appreciated by other countries,” he added.
Legal issues arose when judges blocked the detention of migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt, citing unsafe conditions in their countries.
The European Court of Justice prohibits fast-track procedures for asylum seekers from nations deemed unsafe across their entire territory. In response, the government updated its list of “safe countries,” including 19 nations like Albania, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
“The Cassation Court confirmed our choices,” Tajani said, emphasising the government’s right to decide repatriation policies.
Premier Giorgia Meloni echoed Tajani’s remarks during a recent European security summit in Finland. “The Cassation Court ruled in our favour. We must move forward,” she said, defending the initiative.
International attention`for migrant processing centres
The policy has drawn interest from European leaders and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a potential model. Meloni also recently discussed the scheme with leaders from Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and other EU countries.
The opposition has criticised the policy, calling it expensive and symbolic, addressing only a small fraction of migrants arriving yearly. Processing centres in Albania will handle up to 3,000 migrants annually. Over 150,000 reached Italy in 2023 alone.
Some critics claim the government is spending millions on “an empty Albanian dog pound” after Italian police returned home.
Moving Forward
Despite criticism, the government aims to make the centres operational again by early 2025.
Proponents argue the scheme could serve as a blueprint for other European nations. Elon Musk, a supporter of Meloni, also praised the policy and criticised judges blocking its implementation. “The judiciary must not hinder progress,” Musk said, sparking accusations of interference in Italy’s legal process.
