Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described the recent agreement with Albania to process migrants outside the European Union as a “courageous” move. Italy is the first EU nation to create migrant processing centers beyond its borders, aiming to manage the influx of people arriving from North Africa more effectively.
In a speech to Italy’s Senate, Meloni said the decision represents a bold and unprecedented step. “It perfectly reflects the European spirit and should be a model for other non-EU nations,” she explained. Her comments came just a day after the first group of migrants was transferred from Italy to Albania despite criticism from human rights organizations.
Italy has built two migrant centers in Albania as part of this arrangement. The first group of 16 men from Bangladesh and Egypt was transported on the Italian navy’s patrol vessel, Libra, and is expected to arrive today. The move is part of a broader effort by Meloni’s government to reduce the number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores each year. This has been a major issue, with tens of thousands arriving annually from North Africa via dangerous sea routes.
Meloni highlighted Italy’s leadership role in addressing the migration crisis. She stated that at the upcoming EU summit in Brussels, an informal meeting will be held to discuss the issue with other countries most affected by migration.
The five-year deal with Albania, signed in November 2023, is estimated to cost Italy €160 million annually and focuses on processing adult male migrants intercepted in international waters by the Italian navy and coastguard. The centers, managed under Italian law and staffed by Italian personnel, will handle asylum cases with judges in Rome overseeing proceedings via video link.
Despite the government’s optimism, the deal has faced opposition from human rights groups. Amnesty International has called the plan a “cruel experiment” and questioned whether Albania can provide sufficient protection for asylum seekers. These concerns highlight the ongoing debate over the balance between controlling migration and ensuring humanitarian treatment.
Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies. She believes the Albania deal sets a “good example” for other European nations grappling with migration challenges.