The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a ruling that significantly disrupts Italy’s plans for processing asylum applications in Albania, a key component of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's immigration strategy initiated in 2023. The court determined that Italy's current method of designating a "safe country" for deportations violates EU law, mandating that only nations offering comprehensive safety to all individuals can be considered safe. Consequently, while Egypt and Bangladesh are labeled as safe by Italy, the court acknowledges that vulnerable groups in those nations still require protection, thus necessitating a revision of Italy’s procedures.
Italy's Offshore Asylum Plan Hit by EU Court's Ruling
Italy's Offshore Asylum Plan Hit by EU Court's Ruling
Italy's initiative to process migrants in Albania faces significant setbacks following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, undermining the government's policies.
The ruling has provoked a harsh response from the Italian government, which contends that the European Court is overstepping its jurisdiction and impeding national border management. Furthermore, the ECJ ruled that any evidence used to classify a country as safe must be publicized for asylum seekers to contest decisions affecting their cases. Experts, including Katia Scannavini from ActionAid Italy, argue that this ruling dismantles the legal framework supporting the Albania migration deal.
With countries like the UK observing the situation closely, Italy's rushed initiative for offshore processing has faced numerous challenges, including legal obstacles that prevented migrants from being effectively sent to Albania. The centers established for this purpose remain unused and over budget.
Although the ECJ did not dismiss the idea of fast-tracking procedures for migrants from nations classified as safe, it insists that the implementation must align with EU regulations. Amnesty International noted that these new rulings put a considerable halt to Italy’s offshore plans while highlighting underlying human rights concerns.
As the ruling reshuffles expectations surrounding the forthcoming EU migration pact—set to launch next year with its designated safe countries—the court emphasized that the authority to determine safety lies with the judiciary, compelling Italian judges to adhere to EU law over national legislation.
With countries like the UK observing the situation closely, Italy's rushed initiative for offshore processing has faced numerous challenges, including legal obstacles that prevented migrants from being effectively sent to Albania. The centers established for this purpose remain unused and over budget.
Although the ECJ did not dismiss the idea of fast-tracking procedures for migrants from nations classified as safe, it insists that the implementation must align with EU regulations. Amnesty International noted that these new rulings put a considerable halt to Italy’s offshore plans while highlighting underlying human rights concerns.
As the ruling reshuffles expectations surrounding the forthcoming EU migration pact—set to launch next year with its designated safe countries—the court emphasized that the authority to determine safety lies with the judiciary, compelling Italian judges to adhere to EU law over national legislation.
