Italy’s ambitious plan to manage migration through offshore centers in Albania has faced a significant setback. Just over a month since their launch, these multimillion-euro facilities, envisioned to accommodate up to 3,000 asylum seekers monthly, remain largely unused, supporting only 24 individuals. Consequently, dozens of police officers and social workers deployed to these centers have returned to Italy, marking a stark contrast to the project’s lofty goals.
The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government, aimed to process and repatriate migrants outside the EU. However, its execution quickly unraveled. Legal challenges emerged when Italian judges deemed the detention of migrants at these centers unlawful. This decision echoed a European Court of Justice ruling that countries outside the EU cannot be considered “safe” for asylum seekers unless security is guaranteed across their territories.
The immediate impact was evident as all migrants initially sent to the Albanian centers were promptly returned to Italy. Many of these individuals, from countries such as Bangladesh and Egypt, were either released within hours or held for no more than a few days. The absence of a steady influx rendered the presence of 250 Italian police officers unnecessary, prompting their reassignment to Italy, where they are reportedly in greater demand.
Criticism has been swift and severe. Riccardo Magi, leader of the left-wing Più Europa party, labeled the project an “epochal failure,” accusing the government of squandering public funds while cutting essential services in education, health, and social security. The initiative’s €1 billion cost over five years has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly as opposition parties question its efficacy in managing migration.
Social workers from Medihospes, the organization overseeing the centers, highlighted operational inefficiencies, including the excessive number of staff deployed. Nicola Gratteri, Naples’ chief prosecutor, joined the chorus of criticism, challenging the rationale for maintaining such a significant police presence abroad when resources are strained domestically.
Despite these challenges, the Italian government insists the centers will continue operating, with staffing adjustments made to reflect current needs. However, the project’s future appears uncertain as political and public pressure mounts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s initial support for these centers as models for migration management has also waned in light of the results.
Prime Minister Meloni, who positioned herself as a strong advocate for border control, now faces the delicate task of balancing international migration protocols with domestic expectations. The Albanian centers, once hailed as a bold step in addressing Europe’s migration crisis, have become emblematic of the broader challenges in Italy’s migration policies.
As the Meloni administration navigates this complex landscape, the silence of these empty centers speaks volumes. The need for reevaluating Italy’s migration strategies has become more urgent, with lessons from this venture showing the importance of aligning policy with legal standards, economic realities, and humanitarian commitments.