Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is determined to proceed with plans to establish an asylum processing center in Albania, despite legal setbacks. The initiative targets adult male migrants from countries deemed safe by the Italian government, a classification now under scrutiny following a ruling from a Rome court. This court blocked the deportation of migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh, questioning the safety of these nations. The European Court of Justice also emphasized that a country can only be labeled safe if this status applies uniformly across its entire territory.
Meloni's government, facing criticism from both human rights groups and political opposition, argues that the plan will help manage the influx of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. However, opposition leader Elly Schlein has condemned the initiative as an expensive disgrace, estimating its cost at 800 million euros. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini faces potential legal challenges, further complicating the political landscape. The debate highlights the broader European struggle over migration policy, with the European Commission considering similar strategies elsewhere in the Balkans. Despite the controversy, Meloni is pushing forward, underscoring the persistent tensions between national policies and judicial oversight.
