The "Martyrs of the Nation" Boulevard in Tirana has become the focal point of protests today, as a group of young Albanians voiced their opposition to the agreement between the Albanian and Italian governments for the establishment of reception centers for migrants intercepted at sea by Italian authorities.
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| Albanian students protesting on "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard in Tirana, near the Prime Minister's Office |
Chanting slogans like "Illegal agreement, global resistance," the demonstrators condemned the initiative, which involves two key migrant reception centers in Shëngjin and Gjadër, Lezhë. These centers were inaugurated in October but have yet to accommodate any migrants due to legal rulings in Italy, which ordered their return following deportations.
The protest began in front of the Prime Minister's Office and is expected to move toward the Italian Embassy and the EU Delegation in Tirana.
The Controversial Agreement
The agreement, signed on November 6, 2023, by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was initially planned to last for five years and aimed to host up to 36,000 migrants annually. Under the arrangement, migrants arriving by sea would first be processed at the reception center in Shëngjin before being transferred to the larger camp in Gjadër for up to 28 days while their asylum applications are reviewed.
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| The refugee camp built by the Italians in Gjadër |
Although the infrastructure in both centers is reportedly operational, delays in migrant transfers and legal challenges have sparked criticism. The Gjadër facility, equipped to host around 400 people, features segregated sections for administration, detainees, and asylum seekers. Managed by Italian personnel, these centers emphasize strict security protocols, with Albanian authorities excluded from interference.
Support and Opposition
Prime Minister Rama defended the agreement as a "gesture of friendship and solidarity" with Italy, noting that no financial compensation was requested. He also dismissed concerns of potential risks, pointing to Albania's successful management of Afghan evacuees in the past.
Conversely, critics have described the arrangement as a burden on Albania and questioned its compliance with international migration laws. The Italian government has highlighted the project's significance in curbing migration flows and considers it a model for future EU-wide initiatives.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during her June visit to the centers, praised Albania’s commitment and underscored the collaboration as a "powerful tool to tackle irregular migration." However, the agreement has faced scrutiny on both sides of the Adriatic, with protests and political debate fueling tensions.
Future of the Protests
Today’s protests reflect growing public discontent with the perceived lack of transparency and potential implications of hosting migrant camps in Albania. As the demonstrators plan to intensify their actions at the Italian Embassy and EU Delegation, the Albanian government faces mounting pressure to justify its decision amid rising concerns over national sovereignty and regional stability.
This unfolding situation remains a contentious issue, symbolizing broader debates over migration policy in Europe and beyond.