In response to a recent court ruling that jeopardized its controversial asylum processing agreement with Albania, the Italian government has enacted a decree aimed at preserving the framework of this multi-million-euro initiative. The decree was passed by Italy’s cabinet on Monday and seeks to amend the list of “safe countries” from which migrants can be sent, thereby removing legal barriers to the implementation of the deal.
The urgency of this legislative action follows a ruling from a Rome court, which mandated the return of 12 migrants who had been transferred to Italy’s new migrant-processing centers in Albania. The court deemed their countries of origin—Bangladesh and Egypt—as “unsafe,” highlighting that even localized discrimination and persecution could render deportation to Albania illegal. This decision has raised significant concerns about the legality and feasibility of the Italian-Albanian agreement, which aims to limit migrant arrivals in Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened her cabinet immediately after the court’s decision, emphasizing that it is the government, not the judiciary, that should determine which countries are deemed safe for repatriation. “The definition of a safe country cannot be left to the judiciary; this is a political decision within the framework of international law,” stated Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.
The new legislation proposes that the list of safe countries be updated every six months, allowing for greater flexibility in response to changing conditions. This move is part of an ongoing conflict between Meloni’s far-right administration and Italy’s legal community, with Meloni accusing judges of bias and politicization. Her party, Brothers of Italy, has claimed that certain judges are obstructing Italy’s efforts to control its borders.
The agreement between Italy and Albania established offshore processing centers in Shengjin, near Albania’s capital, Tirana. Under this five-year deal, up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by Italian coast guards in international waters each month would be housed in these centers while their asylum claims are processed. The initiative has attracted interest from several other European nations, including Austria and Denmark, despite Albania’s insistence that it is exclusive to Italy.
However, following the court ruling, Meloni’s government faced backlash from opposition parties and human rights organizations. Critics have labeled the initiative as a “total failure” and a “financial catastrophe,” arguing that it violates international human rights standards. Michele LeVoy from PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants) condemned the plan as “cruel” and warned that it exposes individuals to potential abuse without adequate legal recourse.
Despite these challenges, Meloni remains committed to pursuing her government’s migration strategy. She has vowed to appeal the court’s decision and insists that Italy will continue its efforts to manage migration effectively through agreements like the one with Albania.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming parliamentary discussions regarding the new decree and its implications for Italy’s migration policies moving forward.
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