Meloni's Albanian Visit Cements Migration Deal, Sparks Controversy

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Albania to convey gratitude for hosting asylum-seekers while Italy processes their claims. While the deal has been praised as an innovative solution to migration challenges, it has also faced criticism from opposition groups and rights organizations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Albania on Wednesday marked a significant milestone in the implementation of a groundbreaking agreement between the two nations, which aims to address the issue of asylum seekers in Europe.

Meloni, accompanied by Interior Minister Matteo Piantendosi, toured the sites of two migrant processing centers that are being constructed in Albania. The centers, set to be operational on August 1, will host up to 1,000 migrants while their asylum claims are processed by Italian authorities.

Meloni expressed her appreciation for Albania's willingness to host asylum seekers, stating that the deal represents a crucial element of her government's crackdown on illegal migration. The agreement, which has attracted interest from 15 EU member states, aims to deter potential migrants from embarking on dangerous Mediterranean crossings.

Under the terms of the agreement, Albania will receive up to 3,000 migrants per month rescued from international waters. The migrants will be housed in the processing centers while their asylum requests are processed, which is expected to take approximately one month.

The deal has been praised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as an example of "out-of-the-box thinking," but it has also been criticized by rights groups who warn that the protections afforded to refugees could be compromised.

Meloni defended the agreement as "extremely innovative," emphasizing its potential to serve as a deterrent for illegal migration and its compliance with international law. However, her visit was met with protests from Albanian opposition groups, who criticized the deal as an expensive exercise in propaganda and a bid to turn Albania into Italy's "Guantánamo."

Meloni's commitment to addressing migration challenges is further demonstrated by her proposed Mattei Plan, which aims to fund projects in African countries along migrant routes in exchange for improved border controls.

According to data from the Italian Interior Ministry, the number of migrants arriving in Italy has declined significantly compared to the same period last year. As of Tuesday, 21,574 people had arrived in Italy via boat, compared to 51,628 during the same period in 2023.

Meloni expressed optimism that the migrant processing centers in Albania will be operational by August 1 and that a regular ferry link to Italy will begin in mid-September. The centers will be fully operated by Italy, while Albanian guards will provide external security. Migrants granted international protection will be welcomed in Italy, while those denied will be deported.

The deal with Albania is seen by Meloni and her right-wing allies as a model that could be adopted by other European countries to share the burden of migration. However, the agreement remains controversial and its full implications are yet to be seen.