An Italian Navy ship with 49 migrants is set to arrive in Albania, where they will be moved to a reception center aimed at streamlining asylum processing. This center has sparked controversy and legal challenges, particularly regarding the definition of “safe” countries for migrants. Recent legal adjustments have been made, but concerns about the detention review process persist. The Albanian initiative remains under scrutiny, with significant financial implications and mixed results in migration management strategies.
Arrival of Migrants in Albania
An Italian Navy vessel, carrying 49 migrants, is set to dock at the port of Shengjin, Albania, early Tuesday morning. Once they arrive, the migrants will be transported to Gjader, a northern region where Italy established a reception center last year. This facility is designed to expedite the processing of asylum applications for boat migrants and facilitate repatriations. The naval ship had recently rescued the migrants from the waters near Lampedusa Island.
Controversies Surrounding the Reception Center
The center in Albania has sparked significant debate throughout Europe, igniting a wave of political and legal challenges. The European Commission has lauded this initiative as a forward-thinking strategy for migration management.
However, the project has faced hurdles, as Italian courts have nullified the detention of migrants in Albania on two occasions, referencing the judgments made by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Central to this issue is the determination of which countries are deemed “safe” for migrants and who possesses the authority to make such judgments. A ruling from the ECJ is anticipated by the end of February.
Changes have been implemented since the previous attempts. Notably, the Italian government has revised the judicial process, shifting the review of migrants’ administrative detention in Albania from a first-instance court in Rome to an appellate court directly. This adjustment has provoked backlash within the judiciary, with judges voicing concerns about potential delays in the appellate process. In response, the president of the Roman appellate court has swiftly appointed several judges experienced in migration matters, including those who have previously adjudicated cases in Albania, suggesting that the upcoming round will likely be handled by the same judicial figures.
Additionally, in December, Italy’s highest court ruled that the classification of safe countries falls under the political domain rather than judicial oversight. This ruling may have emboldened the government to make another attempt. Nonetheless, the Court of Cassation emphasized that courts must evaluate whether individual migrants face specific risks upon returning to their home countries.
Legal challenges remain, particularly concerning the review of detention orders for the 49 migrants sent to Albania. Reports indicate that this evaluation is expected to occur next Thursday, which will provide clearer insight into the government’s progress and whether further delays are imminent.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is resolute in her mission to ensure the success of the Albanian initiative, as any setbacks could undermine her standing on migration issues. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to criticize the exorbitant costs associated with the center in Albania, which are projected to reach around 800 million euros over the next five years. If the facilities remain underutilized, public dissatisfaction is likely to escalate rapidly.
On a positive note, the government has recorded an initial success; unlike the 49 migrants transferred to Albania, 53 others in comparable circumstances presented their passports after being rescued. This situation permits them to enter Italian territory and undergo a formal asylum process. The government interprets this as evidence that its deterrence strategy may be starting to yield results.