Photo: Orietta Scardino/ZUMA Press/IMAGO
An Italian coastguard vessel has picked up migrants held in Albanian reception centres to transport them back to Italy. This happened after a high-profile decision by a Roman court, which ruled that the detention of some asylum seekers in Albania was illegal. The case has gained international attention, becoming another challenge for the Italian government of Georgia Meloni, which is seeking to curb the waves of illegal migration, according to Evropeiska Pravda.
Court decisions: who returns and why?
A Rome court has ruled that 12 migrants held in the new Albanian Gjader centre must be returned to Italy, as their countries of origin – Egypt and Bangladesh – cannot be considered safe. This decision is based on European Court rulings that prohibit the detention of migrants from these countries in Albania, although Italy had previously included them in the list of safe countries.
The situation became more complicated after Italy brought these migrants to Albania by warship earlier in the week. There were 16 of them, but four had previously returned to Italy due to health reasons or underage age. Although the Italian government is trying to curb illegal migration through agreements with neighbouring countries, court rulings are putting these plans at risk.
Political reaction and international outcry
The Italian government did not hesitate to react to this decision. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the court’s verdict “biased” and stressed that it is her government that should determine which countries are safe for migrants. She also announced the government’s intention to appeal the decision, stressing the importance of controlling migration flows for the country’s security.
Albania, in turn, has become an important partner of Italy on migration, accepting asylum seekers in centres built at Italian expense. This practice, while welcomed by some Western countries that are also trying to cope with the increase in migrants from Africa and the Middle East, has drawn criticism from human rights activists.
Human rights groups claim that Italy is trying to “outsource” its international obligations towards migrants by sending them to other countries. Meloni, however, confidently rejects these accusations, stressing that Italy remains committed to protecting human rights, but at the same time has the right to control its borders.
Wider context and implications
This situation raises the broader question of how European countries should deal with increasing migration flows. Italy, which is one of the main entry points for migrants from Africa and the Middle East, is trying to find a balance between fulfilling its international obligations and domestic pressure to curb irregular migration.
Cooperation with Albania is only part of the plan, but court rulings like the latest in Rome could seriously hamper the government’s efforts. Many in Europe are watching the developments, as similar approaches could be adopted elsewhere.
Against this backdrop, the Italian government faces a difficult task: how to simultaneously ensure border security, fulfil its international obligations and maintain support from a society that demands decisive action on migration.
