Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is pushing forward with a plan known as the "Albania model" to manage migrant arrivals. This strategy involves housing up to 3,000 migrants monthly in offshore centers in Albania. The intention is to expedite the processing of asylum applications and deportations to so-called 'safe' countries.
However, this approach has faced significant legal challenges. A Rome court declared the deportation of migrants to Albania illegal, questioning the designation of countries like Bangladesh and Egypt as safe origins. This ruling threatens the viability of the 700-million-euro project aimed at deterring irregular migration.
Despite the judicial setbacks, Meloni is determined to proceed, proposing a decree to transfer the power of determining safe countries directly to the government. This move aims to circumvent legal obstacles and reinforce the Albania partnership.
The model has sparked interest from other European countries, with leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán suggesting similar offshore centers in North Africa. However, the plan has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and opposition parties, who argue it violates EU laws and ethical standards.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for "innovative solutions" to address migration challenges, suggesting a broader EU asylum reform instead. Meanwhile, the debate over safe countries and the ethical implications of such agreements continues to stir controversy across Europe.
The situation underscores the growing tension within the EU over migration policies, as countries like Hungary and Slovakia push for externalized asylum processing, while others advocate for more humane and integrated solutions.
