Prime Minister rules out new asylum agreements
Prime Minister Edi Rama has firmly stated that Albania will not enter into any asylum agreements with other countries, aside from the existing one with Italy.
Context
Last week, during an official visit to Rome, the British Prime Minister mentioned that he would “study” the agreement signed between Italy and Albania as part of the UK’s “pragmatic” approach to reducing irregular migration. However, in an interview with Euronews, Rama clarified that the agreement with Italy is a unique case due to Italy’s exclusive privileges in Albania, and that no other government should expect to achieve a similar arrangement.
What was said
Rama has repeatedly emphasized that the agreement with Italy was not made as a form of repayment for Italy’s unconditional support for Albania’s path to European integration. “We decided to do this based on a sense of responsibility as neighbors, as Europeans. Of course, it is better than simply fighting ideologically about this issue and doing nothing,” said Rama.
Agreement Details
Under the five-year agreement signed between Tirana and Rome last November, migrants intercepted at sea by Italian authorities will be transferred to reception centers near the Albanian port of Shëngjin, where their requests for international protection will be swiftly processed by Italian personnel. They will then be relocated to the asylum seekers’ center in Gjadër, which has a capacity of up to 3,000 people. According to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the camp was expected to open on August 1, but there have been administrative delays on the Italian side responsible for building the reception centers.
In an interview with the Italian channel La7, Prime Minister Rama explained that these delays are matters that do not involve the Albanian government. He stated, “Specifically, and everything else is up to the Italian government. Albania has no cost, no legal responsibility. Albania has simply provided its readiness to host what is an Italian operation on a territory that will be fully managed by Italy.”
Go deeper
Albania to ban TikTok and implement school safety plan following tragic incident
Published on December 21, 2024
Why is this important: The dramatic decision follows extensive consultations, involving over 1,300 meetings with parent councils nationwide, initiated in response to concerns over the rise of violence and bullying among students. The government views the TikTok ban as a crucial measure to curb the harmful effects of online content and protect young people.
Albanian and Kosovo Parliaments convene in Pristina for joint session
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: The session was particularly significant given the strained relations between Rama and Kurti over the past two years. Their discord began after Rama postponed a planned joint government meeting in Kosovo. Today’s gathering not only united the two leaders in the Pristina Parliament but also included a private meeting in Kurti’s office, where they signed an agreement to host the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. In his address, Rama delivered pointed messages directed at Kosovo, the European Union, and the ongoing sanctions imposed on Kosovo.I’m
Kosovo’s Special Prosecution summons Prime Minister Kurti for questioning again
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: This marks the second attempt by prosecutors to secure Kurti’s testimony, following his absence from an earlier session due to being abroad. The summons has sparked controversy, with representatives of the government accusing the Special Prosecution of political bias, despite Kurti being summoned in the capacity of a witness. The development highlights a politically charged dynamic between Kosovo’s government and judiciary.