Italy is moving ahead with its plan to establish migrant detention centers in Albania, according to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This initiative, part of a bilateral agreement with Albania, aims to process asylum seekers intercepted near Italian waters in Albanian facilities, with the goal of reducing migrant flows from Africa.
The agreement, signed last year, has faced significant opposition in recent months. European Union courts have raised legal concerns, questioning whether the plan complies with EU law. In recent rulings, judges ordered the transfer of two groups of detained migrants from Albanian centers back to Italy, leaving the facilities unoccupied.
Despite these setbacks, Meloni remains firm in her commitment. Speaking at a press conference with parliamentary reporters, she announced that the EU Court of Justice would begin reviewing the case in February. Meloni also emphasized that most EU member states support Italy’s position on the Albanian detention centers.
The plan aims to act as a deterrent against irregular migration from Africa, where many embark on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. Critics, however, argue that the scheme raises ethical and legal concerns, as it relocates vulnerable individuals to facilities outside the EU.
The Italian government views this approach as a practical solution to manage rising migration numbers. However, it remains uncertain whether the EU court will ultimately endorse the plan or require further adjustments to comply with European regulations.
As legal proceedings unfold, the debate over the balance between border control and humanitarian responsibility continues to divide public opinion.