The European Commission endorsed an ‘offshoring’ migrant deal between Albania and Italy ahead of its operational launch.
“It is, in general, possible for the EU and the member states to cooperate with countries outside the EU in managing migration,” a European Commission spokesperson told reporters on Thursday (1 August).
She said such deals are part of a “new paradigm based on comprehensive partnerships that we are setting up.”
Under the terms of the deal, Italy will send people rescued from the Mediterranean Sea to centres in Albania where their applications for asylum will then be assessed.
The EU says the plan is legitimate because Italy will have legal jurisdiction at the two centres, which can house up to 3,000 people per month. Vulnerable people such as children and pregnant women won’t be sent to the centres.
Meanwhile, everyone one else that comes from a country that Italy deems safe will be processed in Albania. This currently spans some 21 nations, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia.
Those granted refuge would then be sent to Italy, while the others will be deported.
Nikolaj Nielsen