Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is asking the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to support her government’s plan to send some migrants to Albania. This plan is important to her, but Italian courts have blocked it because they believe it goes against European laws.
Speaking to the parliament before an important meeting of EU leaders, Meloni said we need clear rules about this issue because recent court decisions seem to have a political bias. If the ECJ agrees with these decisions, she warned, it could harm how all EU countries handle migrant returns until new asylum rules are in place by 2026.
Her plan focuses on adult men from certain countries that Italy considers “safe.” These men could be sent to detention in Albania and quickly deported if their requests for asylum (a safe place to stay) are denied. Other European countries are also interested in this approach to reduce illegal migration.
However, Italian judges have raised concerns. They cited a recent ECJ decision stating that no country can be labeled “safe” if even a small part of it is dangerous. A further ECJ ruling is expected to clarify the situation, but it won’t come soon. Meanwhile, Italy has stopped sending migrants to Albania, leaving detention centers empty.
Despite this, Meloni remains hopeful that her plan will succeed, even though some critics argue it has been a waste of money.
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