The ruling by the Rome court reflects a growing tension between national immigration policies and European human rights standards, highlighting the complexities of managing migration in the EU.
Meloni's government faces increasing scrutiny and criticism, not only for its immigration policies but also for broader moves to alter Italy's parliamentary democracy. This dual challenge may affect her administration's stability and public support.
The situation underscores the difficulties of implementing unilateral migration strategies in a multilateral context, as EU member states grapple with differing views on asylum and refugee rights.
The Italian government may seek to appeal the court's decision, potentially prolonging legal battles over its immigration policies.
In light of the ruling, Meloni's administration could pivot to explore alternative solutions for managing migration, possibly involving greater collaboration with EU partners.
Continued public and political pressure may lead to a reevaluation of the financial commitments associated with the Albanian detention camps, especially if they remain underutilized.
On October 18, 2024, a court in Rome issued a ruling that nullified the first deportations of migrants to Albania, marking a significant setback for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's controversial immigration policy. The court ordered the return of 12 migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh, stating that these countries are not safe for the individuals involved, thus violating European law. This ruling comes shortly after the opening of Italian-run migrant detention camps in Albania, designed to process up to 36,000 migrants annually under accelerated asylum procedures.
The detention camps, located in Shëngjin and Gjadër, were established as part of an agreement between Meloni's government and Albania, costing an estimated 650 million euros over five years. The plan aimed to keep migrants outside EU territory, but the court's decision has cast doubt on the legality and feasibility of this approach. Human rights organizations have criticized the camps, dubbing them 'Italian Guantánamo' and warning of a lack of legal protections for detainees.
The ruling aligns with a recent European Court of Justice decision that restricts the classification of safe countries for deportation, further complicating Meloni's strategy. The Italian government is now faced with the challenge of reassessing its immigration policies, while opposition leaders have called for the dismantling of the current system and accountability for the financial implications of the deportation plan.
