Italian Court Orders Transfer of Asylum Seekers from Controversial Albanian Migration Hub
In a significant ruling, an Italian court has ordered that the last 12 asylum seekers held in a contentious migration facility in Albania be transferred back to Italy. This decision strikes a severe blow to an agreement forged by the far-right government in Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Albanian authorities, aimed at reducing the influx of migrants into Europe.
The court's ruling raises further doubts regarding the legality and feasibility of new European Union initiatives aimed at establishing migrant processing and detention centers outside its borders. Discussions held on Thursday among EU leaders regarding this hardline approach to migration were overshadowed by the Rome court's judgment.
Following the ruling, the initial group of 16 asylum seekers transitioned to the Albanian center was nearly emptied. Of that group, four individuals were promptly returned to Italy just a day after their arrival at the facility, suggesting immediate operational issues as the Italian government had hoped this center would mitigate the issue of irregular migration.
Prime Minister Meloni's party, Brothers of Italy, openly criticized the court decision on social media, accusing the judiciary of being politically motivated and intent on abolishing Italy's borders. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi assured that the government would appeal the decision, expressing determination to continue implementing the controversial agreement with Albania, which they envision as a potential framework for similar European laws.
The asylum seekers, who arrived at the port of Shëngjin from Lampedusa aboard a military vessel, hailed from Egypt and Bangladesh. The arrangement between Rome and Tirana stipulates that men intercepted while attempting the perilous journey to Europe would be processed in the Albanian facility, while vulnerable groups, such as women and children, would be sent directly to Italy. However, the court noted that the remaining 12 men could face violence if returned to their home countries, aligning its decision with an earlier ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
Italian judges declared that the Albanian facility could be viewed as an extension of Italy's borders and thus subject to European legal standards. Judge Luciana Sangiovanni noted the impossibility of designating the states of origin of the detained individuals as safe countries, countering the Italian government’s claims.
The initiative, which is projected to cost the Italian government an estimated €1 billion over five years, faces mounting opposition. Critics, including the Democratic Party, argue that the scheme has already failed, citing the initial €250,000 spent on transporting the 16 men to Albania. Calls for Meloni's apology and the resignation of Minister Piantedosi have emerged from various political factions.
NGOs and human rights organizations have condemned the Italy-Albanian agreement, labeling it inhumane and a violation of international human rights obligations. Michele LeVoy of the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants described the growing support for offshore migrant hubs as a dangerous trend that not only undermines human dignity but also contravenes international and European law.
At a recent summit in Brussels, EU leaders discussed the possibility of creating return hubs and processing centers in non-EU countries, reflecting a stricter stance on migration. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that discussions would continue to explore how these centers could function.
Despite a reduction of over 40% in irregular immigration to the EU this year compared to 2023, the bloc's evolving, hardline stance is fueled by the electoral success of far-right parties across member states. While the Italian government expresses optimism regarding overseas migration centers, skepticism persists regarding their practical viability and humanitarian implications, raising critical questions about the future of asylum policies in Europe.
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