Meloni defends Italy’s migrant deal with Albania as a model for Europe

Jan 3, 2025 - Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stood by her government's migrant agreement with Albania, calling it a progressive and innovative solution to Europe’s migration challenges. In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, Meloni argued that the deal is a critical step in addressing illegal immigration and the criminal trafficking that often exploits migrants.

Reflecting on her two and a half years in office, Meloni stressed that despite acknowledging mistakes along the way, she has never made a decision she feels should bring shame. She emphasized that the deal signed with Albania in November 2023 is one of the key decisions that she believes is shaping a more effective immigration policy for Italy and beyond.

"The protocol with Albania is an example of forward-thinking policy," Meloni said. "It is not only a practical solution but a breakthrough that aims to deliver a significant blow to criminal organizations exploiting migrants. This agreement is teaching Europe, and the world, an important lesson in managing migration."

The agreement includes provisions to process asylum applications in territories outside the European Union, yet still under Italian and European jurisdiction. Meloni pointed out that this approach is designed to stop the criminal trafficking networks that profit from migrants and provide a safer, more orderly system for asylum seekers.

The government’s decision to push forward with the implementation of the protocol came in December 2024, following a ruling from Italy’s Supreme Court that affirmed the government's right to set the list of "safe countries of origin." This legal backing allows the protocol with Albania to continue, helping Italy manage its migration flows more efficiently.

Meloni’s views on the deal have also gained traction internationally. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced his support for the agreement, agreeing that stronger police cooperation and innovative approaches like the Italy-Albania deal should be part of a broader European strategy. Both leaders also agreed on the need to intensify the fight against human traffickers and strengthen efforts for voluntary returns of migrants.

However, the agreement has faced some legal scrutiny. The Rome Court, which had previously halted the transfer of migrants by sea, has sought an opinion from the European Court of Human Rights on the classification of "safe countries of origin." A decision from the European Court of Justice is expected by February 2025, which could influence the future of similar immigration deals across Europe.