The European Commission has given the green light to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s initiative to establish migrant detention and repatriation centers in Albania. Brussels has confirmed that the plan aligns with European law, ensuring compliance with Italian legislation and maintaining oversight of the Italy-Albania agreement.
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| Meloni and Rama after the inauguration of the Gjadër emigration center in Lezha |
The European Commission acknowledged that it is aware of the latest developments regarding the Italian government’s approval of a decree to transform the Gjadër center in Albania into a detention and repatriation facility for migrants. A Commission spokesperson stated that the measure is, in principle, consistent with European law, as Italian legislation will govern the center's operations. Brussels also reassured that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the Italy-Albania protocol and remain in close contact with authorities.
MIGRANTI, UE: "CPR IN ALBANIA IN LINEA CON LEGGE EUROPEA". ESULTA LA DESTRA
— Byoblu (@byoblu) March 31, 2025
I centri per il rimpatrio in Albania sono in linea con la legge europea. A dirlo è Markus Lammert, portavoce della Commissione UE per gli Affari interni.
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The spokesperson, Markus Lammert, who represents the European Commission on Internal Affairs and Immigration, confirmed this position during a daily briefing. His response came after a journalist sought verification of Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi’s statement, which asserted that the Commission had no objections to the decree.
Key Aspects of the Decree
Under this new provision, migrants awaiting deportation—who have already been denied asylum—can be transferred to Albania. The decree allows them to be housed in facilities for up to 18 months, the estimated time required to complete repatriation procedures.
Despite its approval, the plan had sparked debate due to concerns about cost and legal ambiguities. Specifically, current laws do not explicitly permit the transfer of migrants to third countries that are neither their origin nor transit states. However, the European Commission clarified that Italy’s initiative differs from a proposed EU regulation introduced on March 11, which envisions the establishment of return centers in third countries where local legislation would apply.
Brussels is currently working on defining the legal framework and minimum standards for such solutions. These agreements must be highly detailed, based on international treaties, and involve only third countries that respect human rights and the principle of non-refoulement (the prohibition of returning asylum seekers to places where they face danger).
Meloni Celebrates the Decision
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the EU’s endorsement of her initiative, arguing that her approach has gained increasing support despite initial criticism. In a video message sent to the Border Security Summit—an event hosted by the UK government to discuss border security and irregular migration—Meloni emphasized the significance of her policy.
"The pact with Albania was initially met with skepticism, but it has since gained broader consensus," she stated. "The European Union is now proposing the creation of repatriation centers in third countries. This confirms that we were right, and our courage to take this path has been rewarded."
Meloni’s victory lap underscores her administration’s commitment to controlling migration flows and influencing broader European migration policies. As the EU works toward a standardized legal framework for third-country migrant centers, Italy’s pioneering approach may set a precedent for similar initiatives across the continent.