Italy has initiated its plan to transfer migrants to Albania, with the first group of 16 men departing on a navy ship from near Lampedusa on Monday. The move is part of a contentious arrangement to process asylum claims outside the European Union, aiming to reduce irregular migrant arrivals.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has constructed two reception centers in Albania, marking the first time an EU nation has partnered with a non-EU country for migrant processing. This group includes 10 men from Bangladesh and six from Egypt, both designated as “safe countries” by Italy. Only men from such nations, deemed non-vulnerable, will be sent to Albania under the agreement.
Italy has identified 21 countries as safe, with Albania expected to receive up to 36,000 migrants annually from this list. Last year, over 56,000 migrants arrived in Italy from four of these nations: Bangladesh, Egypt, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast.
However, a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice may challenge Italy’s plan. The ruling restricts the definition of “safe countries” outside the EU, stating that the entire territory of a country must be free of danger for it to be considered safe. This could complicate Italy’s efforts if national courts follow suit.
The Italian government has yet to comment on the potential implications of the court’s decision. The first group of migrants is expected to arrive in Albania on Wednesday.
