As the Gjadër Camp in northern Albania prepares to receive its first group of migrants, Prime Minister Edi Rama has definitively ruled out the possibility of making similar migration agreements with other EU countries. In an interview with Reuters, Rama emphasized that Albania’s partnership with Italy is unique and will not be replicated elsewhere.

Why is it important: Rama’s declaration comes at a pivotal moment, with the Gjadër Camp set to open next week under a five-year agreement with Italy. The camp, designed to house up to 3,000 migrants seeking asylum in Italy, has attracted attention from other EU nations, such as Germany, hoping to establish similar deals. However, Rama made it clear that Albania will not expand such arrangements, citing the special historical ties between Albania and Italy.

Context: The Gjadër Camp, fully funded and operated by Italian authorities, will serve as a processing center for migrants intercepted in the Adriatic Sea. The camp has faced delays in construction but is now ready to welcome its first asylum seekers. Under the agreement, migrants will remain in the camp while their asylum applications are reviewed by Italian authorities.

Despite growing interest from other EU countries, Rama reiterated that Albania will not entertain similar agreements. “Germany should find another partner,” Rama stated. “Albania has its deal with Italy, and we cannot do this with everyone.”

The camp will be under the jurisdiction of Italy and monitored by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), ensuring international standards are upheld.

Rama’s position: In his interview, Rama highlighted the unique relationship between Albania and Italy, recalling Italy’s role in welcoming thousands of Albanian migrants in the 1990s. He stressed that this history shaped the current agreement, which is seen as a gesture of gratitude towards Italy.

Rama dismissed suggestions of expanding the model to other countries, despite interest from Germany and others. He also emphasized that Albania’s focus remains on European Union integration, noting that the country is not in a position to take on multiple migration agreements.

Looking ahead: The Gjadër Camp is set to open in the coming days, marking the start of Albania’s partnership with Italy on migration management. While the camp represents a key collaboration, Rama’s firm stance against similar deals with other EU countries ensures that this model will remain exclusive to Italy.

As the camp begins operations, the success of this arrangement will be closely watched by both European officials and international observers, but Albania’s role in future migration agreements appears to be firmly defined by its existing relationship with Italy.