Italian Migrant Deal Faces Setback as Courts Rule Against Albania Transfers

Italy’s five-year deal to send irregular migrants rescued at sea to processing camps in Albania has hit a major roadblock, as a special immigration court in Rome ruled that 12 migrants sent to a camp near Gjader must be returned to Italy. The court determined that the individuals originated from countries deemed unsafe for deportation. The ruling comes just days after the first group of migrants arrived in Albania, putting pressure on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which intends to appeal the decision.

The controversial €800 million deal, aimed at repatriating around 3,000 migrants a month, has been under scrutiny. Opposition leaders, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party, criticized the expense, suggesting that the funds could have been better spent on domestic issues like healthcare. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has defended the plan, insisting it will eventually become part of European law, despite the legal challenges.

The agreement is closely watched across Europe, with leaders from the UK and EU showing interest in similar solutions. However, the ruling could complicate ongoing efforts to speed up migrant returns in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently stated that new proposals were in development, further indicating that the issue remains at the forefront of European politics.

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