Italy to propose Albania-style migrant return centres across EU

Italy is set to present a proposal to European Union member states to establish a network of migrant return centres in safe third countries, modelled on its existing facilities in Albania.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is expected to unveil the plan at an extraordinary meeting of EU interior ministers on August 3, convened following a sharp increase in migrant arrivals in Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave, Caliber.Az reports via European media.

Under the proposal, irregular migrants arriving in the EU would be transferred to centres located outside the bloc, where their asylum and immigration cases would be processed before potential return to their countries of origin.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the initiative aims to develop a common European strategy on migration and asylum.

"We need to build a common strategy on immigration," Tajani told Italian media, adding that Italy and Denmark had requested the ministerial meeting to accelerate implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, particularly measures relating to migrant returns.

He also suggested establishing additional Albania-style centres in African countries and, more broadly, in migrants' countries of origin and transit.

The proposal follows Italy's efforts to expand its migration policy beyond national borders after securing approval of new EU rules on migrant returns in June.

According to Italian officials, the new facilities would be financed by the EU. Countries reportedly under consideration include Uganda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Montenegro. Uganda is regarded as one of the most advanced options, while Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have reportedly expressed interest in potential projects there.

The plan comes amid tensions between Italy and Spain over migration policy following the recent surge of migrant arrivals in Ceuta. Tajani defended Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's approach as "rigorous and moderate" while criticising the Spanish government's migration strategy, arguing that Europe could not accept unrestricted migration.

Italy also intends to press for stricter implementation of the EU's revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) programme, due to take effect on 1 January 2027. The scheme links trade benefits for developing countries to their cooperation in readmitting nationals who are staying illegally in Europe.

Meanwhile, Rome says it aims to make its migrant facility in Gjader, Albania, fully operational by the end of the year, pending the resolution of ongoing legal proceedings.

Originally designed to process asylum applications through accelerated border procedures, the complex has operated mainly as a detention centre for returns since April last year. Italian authorities say judicial challenges have slowed its implementation, with detention orders issued at the facility repeatedly failing to receive court approval.