The European Union has decided to stay on the sidelines regarding a migrant deal between Italy and Albania. A top official from the EU declined to provide an opinion on the agreement, which involves processing some migrants in centers established in Albania. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that they have been closely monitoring the development of this agreement.
The deal, signed last November by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, allows for up to 3,000 migrants rescued by the Italian coast guard in international waters each month to be housed in Albania. Their asylum applications will be handled there, with Italy agreeing to accept those granted asylum, while others facing rejection may be deported directly from Albania.
However, a recent court ruling in Rome led to the return of the first 12 migrants housed in Albanian centers back to Italy, as their detention was rejected due to concerns about the safety of their home countries. To address potential hurdles, Italy’s far-right government approved a new decree allowing for faster repatriation of migrants to countries considered “safe.”
Despite criticism from human rights groups and NGOs, Italian Premier Minister Meloni has defended the agreement as a new approach to managing illegal migration. While Von der Leyen has praised initiatives aimed at restricting migration, she refrained from commenting on the Italy-Albania deal, describing it as a bilateral agreement that the EU will observe without making official statements.
The EU has hinted at prioritising the enlargement of the trade bloc in Western Balkan countries, with Von der Leyen recently visiting Tirana as part of a regional tour. The deal between Italy and Albania has been portrayed as a significant step in handling migration, with elements of shared responsibility with third countries.
In summary, the EU remains cautious in its approach to the migrant deal between Italy and Albania, emphasizing the need for close monitoring while refraining from direct involvement or criticism. The agreement, although facing challenges and criticism, is seen as a novel model for cooperation in addressing the complexities of migration in the region.