In a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for Europe’s migrant policies, an Italian court has dealt a heavy blow to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s controversial deal with Albania to process asylum seekers offshore. The judges’ decision, which ordered the return of 12 men held in a new Italian migration hub in Albania, has not only undermined Meloni’s hardline plans but also cast doubt on the feasibility and legality of the European Union’s proposals to establish migrant processing and detention centres outside the bloc.
Court Orders Return of Asylum Seekers
The ruling by the Italian court means that the Rome government’s new facility in Albania has essentially been emptied, with four of the first group of 16 asylum seekers already sent back to Italy on Thursday. The remaining 12 were considered by the judges to be at risk of violence if deported to their home countries of Egypt and Bangladesh, effectively upholding a previous decision by the European Court of Justice that a country outside the EU cannot be declared safe unless its entire territory is deemed secure.
Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party reacted angrily to the court’s decision, blaming “politicised magistrates” who they claim “would like to abolish Italy’s borders.” The government has vowed not to allow this setback to derail their plans.
Controversial Italy-Albania Deal
Under the contentious agreement signed by Meloni and her Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, men intercepted crossing from Africa to Europe would be held at the Albanian processing centre while their claims are assessed. The scheme, which could handle up to 3,000 men per month, excludes women, children, and vulnerable individuals, who would be taken to Italy.
Critics have slammed the deal as “inhumane, absurd, and a costly system that breaches international human rights obligations.” A network of 160 NGOs supporting undocumented people expressed their dismay at the growing support among EU member states for offshore migrant hubs, arguing that besides being a “logistical and financial nonsense,” it puts people at risk of abuse with no clear options for seeking justice.
Doubts Over EU’s Hardline Migration Plans
The Italian court’s decision comes at a time when the European Union is exploring ways to establish migrant processing and detention centres outside the bloc as part of a new hardline approach to migration. While some far-right leaders have praised the “Albania model,” others, including the prime ministers of Belgium and Spain, and the German chancellor, have questioned the expense, complexity, and effectiveness of an offshore system.
Activists and researchers have repeatedly raised concerns about whether offshore migrant hubs can ever be considered humane, effective, or legal under international law. Some diplomats suspect that finding non-EU countries willing to host such centres may prove to be a significant challenge, potentially rendering the idea a non-starter.
A Shifting Mood in Europe
Despite irregular immigration to the EU plummeting since the 2015 migration crisis and being down more than 40% this year compared to 2023, the bloc’s tough approach reflects a string of electoral successes by far-right, anti-immigration parties across Europe. The shifting mood has led to increased calls for determined action to facilitate, increase, and speed up returns from the EU using all relevant policies, instruments, and tools.
As the debate over Europe’s migration policies continues, the Italian court’s ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral complexities involved in establishing offshore processing centres. The setback to Meloni’s plans and the doubts cast on the EU’s hardline proposals underscore the need for a more humane, effective, and legally sound approach to managing migration flows while upholding the rights and dignity of asylum seekers.
The future of Europe’s migration policies hangs in the balance as member states grapple with the challenges of balancing border control, international obligations, and the fundamental principles of human rights. As the continent seeks solutions to this complex issue, it is crucial that any proposed measures prioritize the well-being and protection of those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life.
