Meloni warns the EU court against blocking the agreement for immigrants with Albania

2024-12-17 13:21:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Meloni warns the EU court against blocking the agreement for immigrants with

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Tuesday to throw out objections to her government's master plan to send seafaring migrants to Albania.

EU judges have been asked to weigh in on the deal by Italian courts, which have angered Meloni by blocking the transfer of migrants to Italian-run detention centers in Albania, saying it was against EU law.

Speaking in the lower house of parliament ahead of a summit of EU leaders, Meloni said clarity was needed "on an issue that has been the subject of recent judicial measures with an ideological flavour".

If the ECJ were to confirm the measures, "it would risk compromising...the return policies of all member states", at least until the new asylum bloc's rules are fully implemented in 2026, she said.

"(This is) a disturbing and unacceptable prospect that must be resolutely prevented," Meloni said.

Under the Italian plan, only adult and non-vulnerable men from a list of countries deemed "safe" by Rome's authorities are eligible for detention in Albania and rapid repatriation if their asylum claims are rejected.

The scheme has attracted the interest of other European countries which are looking for ways to reduce unauthorized migration.

Italian judges questioned the deal, saying that under an ECJ ruling from October that did not specifically relate to Italy, no nation of origin could be considered "safe" if even part of it was dangerous. .

A second ECJ ruling should settle the dispute between Italy's judges and its government, but a ruling is not expected anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Italy has stopped sending immigrants to Albania and the detention facilities are empty. However, Meloni has repeatedly said she is confident her plan will eventually work despite opposition claims it has been a waste of money.

The five-year deal is said to cost Italy €160 million a year.

According to the agreement, procedures for immigrants will be carried out in two centers.

The first center in Shengjin will be used for immigrant identification procedures, while the second center, in Gjadër, about 20 kilometers from the port, will serve to house immigrants until asylum requests are processed.

The centers will operate according to Italian law, with Italian security staff, while the judges will conduct the hearings via video link from Rome./ Rel