Reuters: How does Italy's migration deal with Albania work?

June 8, 2024 - In a recent article on the Italy-Albania migrants deal, Reuters highlights the significant agreement between the two nations. Italy will build processing centers for migrants in Albania, marking the first instance of a non-European Union country accepting migrants on behalf of an EU nation. This move is part of the EU's campaign to clamp down on irregular immigration, which has fueled the rise of far-right popularity.

The deal, ratified by the Albanian parliament in February, involves Italy setting up two camps in Albania, one for screening sea migrants and another for holding them while asylum applications are processed. Migrants will either be allowed to enter Italy or be repatriated.

The agreement has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and domestic concerns about the impact on Albania's security and tourist industry. The main opposition Democratic Party challenged the deal in Albania's Constitutional Court, arguing it breached the constitution by ceding sovereignty over Albanian soil. The court rejected the claims, and the European Commission stated that the deal does not appear to breach EU law.

Rights experts warn that it might be challenging for Italian courts to promptly process asylum requests or appeals against detention orders from people hosted in another country, potentially leading to lengthy procedures that could put an unjustified burden on migrants.

Despite the criticism, the Italian Prime Minister visited Albania and inspected the progress of the works on the immigrant center. The centers will be managed by Italy and can hold a maximum of 3,000 foreign migrants. Italy will cover the construction costs, security, and medical care, estimated at 650 to 750 million euros over the first five years.

The deal has been seen as a significant step forward in the EU's efforts to manage migration, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by both the international community and the people of Albania.