Meloni's Asylum Policy Faces Legal Challenges in Italy
The Italian government's controversial plans to intern asylum seekers in Albania have suffered another significant setback as a court in Rome ruled against the initiative. On November 11, 2024, the court ordered the return of seven migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt to Italy, citing the illegality of transferring asylum seekers outside the EU. This ruling follows a similar decision made in mid-October, and the matter has now been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for further clarification on the legality of such actions under EU law.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration has faced mounting criticism for its handling of migration policies, particularly after investing tens of millions of euros in the construction of detention centers in Albania, which have remained largely empty. The centers were intended to serve as a model for other European nations, but the recent court decisions have undermined this narrative, leading to accusations of political propaganda from opposition groups and NGOs.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, a key ally of Meloni and leader of the anti-migrant League party, condemned the court's ruling as a political judgment against the government's efforts to ensure national security. He asserted that the government has the right to protect its citizens and will continue to pursue its migration agenda despite legal challenges.
The Italian judiciary's decisions have highlighted the ongoing tensions between national and EU laws regarding asylum procedures. The core issue revolves around the classification of 'safe countries' for asylum seekers, a designation that Meloni argues should be determined by the Italian government rather than the judiciary. However, Italian courts have consistently referenced ECJ rulings that emphasize the need for comprehensive assessments of safety based on the conditions within entire countries, rather than specific regions.
As the situation unfolds, the ECJ's forthcoming decisions will be crucial in shaping Italy's asylum policies and determining the future of Meloni's government in its attempts to navigate the complex landscape of EU migration law. Meanwhile, the number of migrants arriving in Italy has seen a notable increase, with over 58,500 arrivals recorded from January to November 2024, compared to 146,868 during the same period in 2023.
