Italy's Government Challenges ECJ Ruling on Migrant Processing Centers

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently expressed her government's discontent with a ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding Italy's controversial agreement to establish migrant processing centers in Albania. The ECJ asserted that national governments have the authority to designate which countries of origin are deemed safe, a measure Italy implemented to navigate legal obstacles pertaining to the agreement. However, the court underscored that such designations must undergo adequate judicial review, emphasizing that a member state cannot include a country in its list of safe origins unless that country provides sufficient protection for its entire population. In response to the ruling, Meloni's office issued a statement describing the decision as 'surprising and worrying.' The statement criticized the court for overstepping its bounds, claiming that the jurisdiction of the EU infringes upon political responsibilities. The ECJ's decision allows national courts to determine the conditions of migration policy related to returns and expulsions of irregular migrants. This includes the identification of so-called safe countries, a power that Meloni argues diminishes the capabilities of national and parliamentary jurisdictions, especially in complex immigration matters that have already been evaluated by sovereign legislative bodies. Meloni stated, 'It is a step that should concern everyone, including political parties that are celebrating the ruling, as it further curtails the limited autonomy of governments and parliaments in managing migration effectively.' The prime minister contended that the court's ruling undermines Italy's strategies aimed at combating mass illegal immigration and safeguarding national borders. This concern is amplified by the impending enforcement of the EU Pact on Immigration and Asylum, which introduces stricter measures, including criteria for identifying safe countries. Meloni affirmed her government's commitment to pursuing every viable solution—be it technical or regulatory—to ensure the security of Italian citizens as the country prepares for the EU Pact's implementation in the coming months. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2