Dutch FM observes Italy-Albania migration agreement with interest as first migrants arrive in Albania
Photo: Gjadër camp
According to the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has expressed support for Italy’s handling of migration under European Union guidelines, following the first transfer of migrants to Albania under a new bilateral agreement. In his statement after a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at Farnesina, Veldkamp highlighted that the Netherlands does not plan to join the Italy-Albania arrangement but is closely observing it.
- Caspar Veldkamp: “We are not planning to join the Italy-Albania agreement, but we view it with great interest because we want to explore new ideas and new locations for migration management.”
Veldkamp further emphasized that Italy’s measures align with prior EU agreements and legal frameworks, calling for innovative thinking to address migration challenges:
“Italy acts within European legal frameworks and the human rights convention. We need to innovate and think beyond current approaches.”
Why is this important: The Italy-Albania agreement has generated some controversy, in Albania and beyond. While in Europe the debate is whether the pact represents an effective response to migration and whether it respects the rights of migrants, in Albania the opposition argues that it compromises national sovereignty. However, despite the controversy, many EU countries are observing the implementation of the pact closely. As migration becomes a major political issue, EU countries are increasingly searching for solutions outside their borders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has referenced the agreement as a positive model for addressing migrant flows and human trafficking.
Context: The first group of migrants under the agreement arrived today in Albania aboard the Italian vessel Libra, docking at the port of Shëngjin. The group includes 16 individuals—10 from Bangladesh and six from Egypt—rescued at sea after departing Libya. As per the bilateral agreement, these migrants will undergo processing in two centers managed by Italian authorities on Albanian soil.
What was said: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended the agreement, framing it as a bold step in controlling irregular migration:
- Antonio Tajani: “This is a concrete and courageous choice, gathering consensus across the European Union. Both centers will be managed by Italian authorities to combat illegal migration, dismantle human trafficking networks, and ensure the return of those without legal entry rights to their countries of origin.”
The Dutch government’s attention to the Italy-Albania arrangement suggests growing European interest in decentralizing migration processes.
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