An Italian coast guard ship recently picked up migrants from reception centers in Albania to transfer them to Italy, following a court ruling against Rome’s plans to house migrants picked up at sea outside the European Union (EU). The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is determined to proceed with the project despite the setback and plans to appeal the court ruling.
The court mandated the return of 12 migrants from Albania to Italy, citing unsafe conditions in their countries of origin. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed confidence that the decision would be overturned, vowing to appeal to the Supreme Court if needed. Only migrants from a list of 22 safe countries designated by Italy can be sent to Albania, but recent ECJ rulings have complicated the process.
While the migrants’ sudden departure surprised locals in Shengjin, Albania, many expressed empathy for their plight, recognizing their sacrifices for a better future. Meloni criticized the decision as prejudicial and vowed to establish new rules to address the issue.