Italian PM Meloni presents Italy-Albania migrant agreement in Brussels
Photo: Edi Rama and Giorgia Meloni
The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) reports that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni presented the Italy-Albania agreement on migrant centers during an informal meeting on migration in Brussels. The agreement outlines the establishment of Italian-managed centers on Albanian territory, a move aimed at managing irregular migration and curbing human trafficking. Meloni’s presentation comes ahead of the upcoming EU summit, signaling a significant shift in regional migration policies.
Why is this important: The Italy-Albania deal represents an innovative step in Europe’s evolving migration strategy. By relocating migrants to non-EU countries, it reflects the growing focus on “safe third-country” solutions as a way to ease the pressure on member states’ borders. The arrival of the first irregular migrants in the Albanian port of Shëngjin highlights the practical implementation of the agreement. Meloni’s initiative aims to combat human trafficking while offering a model for other EU countries struggling with similar migration challenges.
Key takeaways from the Brussels meeting:
- Giorgia Meloni, alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, met with leaders from 10 member states most affected by migration issues.
- The meeting included participation from Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Von der Leyen discussed the Commission’s recent proposals for migration management, focusing on cooperation with international organizations like UNHCR and IOM for voluntary returns and reintegration programs.
Meloni described the migrant center initiative in Albania as a key element in disrupting human trafficking networks and easing migration pressure on Italy. “This agreement serves as a vital part of our efforts to strengthen border controls and ensure effective migration management,” Meloni said. She emphasized that this strategy aligns with the goals of the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact.
Next steps: The participating leaders agreed to maintain close coordination ahead of future European Council meetings, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of EU migration policy. The Albania agreement is expected to set a precedent for similar deals with other non-EU countries, contributing to a more sustainable regional migration framework.
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