Giorgia Meloni’s Albania Migration Plan Faces Backlash After Third Setback

In October, the government sought to sidestep legal rulings by creating a new list of 19 countries deemed safe for repatriation, which included nations like Bangladesh and Egypt.

Since the establishment of two centers in Albania on October 11, the initiative has garnered praise from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it an “innovative solution” and encouraged other EU leaders to draw lessons from the “Italy-Albania protocol.”

However, the plan has faced strong backlash from opposition leaders, human rights organizations, and legal experts. Critics argue that the approach undermines legal norms and democratic principles.

Francesca D’Antuono of Volt Europe, who visited the migrant center in Gjadër last year, accused the Italian government of acting as though it is “above the law.” She pointed out their lack of distinction between fulfilling a political mandate and respecting the institutional framework of democracy, which relies on checks and balances such as the separation of powers.

The issue will soon face further scrutiny, as the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg is set to rule on the matter on February 25. “We hope this decision will push back against the authoritarian trends being advanced by far-right governments in Europe,” D’Antuono said.