Albania welcomed a navy ship carrying migrants from Italy early Wednesday, marking a unique approach to processing asylum seekers. Sixteen men from Bangladesh and Egypt were escorted to a processing center, part of Italy’s controversial deal with Albania. The centers, operated under Italian law, aim to streamline the asylum process with high security measures.
While some criticize the move as “cruel,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the initiative as “courageous.” The arrangement, a first in Europe, could set a precedent for other nations. The migrants’ arrival coincides with an upcoming EU summit focusing on migration.
The project, agreed upon by Meloni and Albanian PM Edi Rama, will cost Italy an estimated 160 million euros annually. Critics question the large expense and limited capacity of the centers. Despite concerns, the EU aims to learn from the Albania experience.
The initiative highlights a new chapter in migration management, with Albania serving as a test case for future collaborations. As the operation unfolds, all eyes are on the outcomes and implications for European migration policies.