Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the centers for receiving migrants in Albania are ready to be operational.
Speaking at an annual conference with journalists, Meloni emphasized that despite temporary setbacks, the plan remains a priority for her government. She assured that the scheme will be implemented as soon as legal issues are addressed.
Meloni highlighted that the Italian Supreme Court has granted her government the authority to designate safe places for migrants.
“As far as we are concerned, the centers in Albania are ready to function. Fortunately, last year arrivals dropped by 60 percent, and in recent days, they have nearly disappeared. But the centers are ready to be activated,” Meloni said, as reported by Euronews.al.
She added that the European Court of Justice is expected to review the matter in February, and most EU member states have expressed support for this plan.
The agreement for these centers was reached last year between Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, foreseeing the transfer of irregular migrants arriving in Italy to Albania. According to Meloni, this plan aims to discourage migrant departures from Africa toward the Italian shores.
