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| Giorgia Meloni and Edi Rama in a press conference in Shëngjin Port |
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Shëngjin Port and the Gjadër area today, where two migrant reception centers will operate under a controversial agreement between Italy and Albania. Accompanied by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Meloni announced that the facilities will be ready by early August. She emphasized that the agreement could be a powerful tool to curb migratory flows. Prime Minister Rama reiterated that Albania took this step as a gesture of gratitude towards Italy for its longstanding support.
Visit Details and Agreement Background
Seven months after signing the migrant agreement in Rome with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Meloni visited Gjadër and Shëngjin, the sites of the two reception centers. According to the protocol between the two countries, migrants intercepted at sea by Italian authorities will be brought to Albania. The Gjadër camp will have a maximum capacity of 3,000 places.
At Shëngjin Port, where initial identification procedures for migrants will be conducted, the facility is complete. Prime Minister Meloni explained that operations are expected to start in early August: "Both structures will be functional from August 1, initially accommodating over 1,000 people, eventually reaching the 3,000 capacity as outlined in the protocol."
Controversy and Reactions
Since its signing, the agreement has sparked significant debate, particularly in Italy. Opposition parties have criticized Meloni, accusing her of electoral maneuvering and unnecessary expenditure. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about potential violations of international conventions on migrants and asylum seekers.
In contrast, Meloni defended the agreement, stating, "The most useful aspect of this agreement is that it can be an extraordinary tool to deter illegal immigrants trying to reach Italy and Europe, and it can also effectively counter trafficking networks. This translates into reduced costs."
Prime Minister Rama also addressed criticisms, saying Albania had been unfairly targeted with half-truths: "This center is only causing a commotion because we are not in the European Union. If the same center were built in any EU country, it would be considered normal. Here, it’s seen as Guantanamo or a concentration camp. Why? For what reason?"
Rama reiterated that he had previously rejected similar agreements with other countries, but with Italy, due to the special relationship and significant support Italy has provided to Albania, it was an expression of gratitude. "There are no ulterior motives here. Whether it works or not, whether there are problems and how they will be solved, time will tell. But this is a heartfelt agreement and a responsible one, reflecting a strategic friendship and a commitment to addressing a phenomenon that has many question marks in Europe today. That’s all."
Future Implications
Both prime ministers noted that many European Union countries are now looking to follow the example of the Albania-Italy agreement. This collaboration may set a precedent for future policies addressing migration issues within the EU.