Italy is preparing for a significant shift in its migrant policy, with the Ministry of the Interior working to establish a list of individuals who will be transferred to a facility in Gjadër, Albania. This move marks a pivotal development in the European country’s approach to managing irregular migration, particularly as the numbers of asylum seekers and migrants continue to challenge Italy’s capacity.
The Gjadër camp, located in North Western Albania, will house individuals who are waiting for deportation, a process that could include people who have already been detained in Italian repatriation centers. These centers, according to recent directives from the Italian Ministry of the Interior, are nearing full capacity, prompting the need for alternatives to house migrants pending repatriation.
The strategic focus of the Italian government, under the leadership of Minister Matteo Piantedosi, is clear: to streamline the return of migrants to their countries of origin while minimizing the strain on Italy’s own facilities. This policy shift comes on the heels of Italy’s ongoing struggle with migrant arrivals, with reports indicating over 1,600 individuals landed in Lampedusa in one weekend alone, many of whom were rescued by humanitarian vessels.
The Gjadër Camp: A Crucial Component in Italy’s Migrant Strategy
The new agreement between Italy and Albania positions Gjadër as a critical node in this complex web of migration and repatriation. According to Italian media, including La Repubblica, the list of migrants deemed suitable for transfer to Gjadër primarily includes individuals from Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and notably, Albania itself. This paradoxical inclusion of Albanian nationals – particularly irregular migrants – raises questions about the evolving dynamics between the two neighbouring countries.
It’s essential to note that for Albanian migrants, repatriation through Gjadër may prove to be a more straightforward and cost-effective process, especially compared to the bureaucratic labyrinth of repatriation back to Italy. Albanian migrants could find themselves in a situation where they are among the few who might be released directly into Albania without needing to return to Italy for further procedures. This development suggests that Albania, often regarded as a country of origin for many migrants to Italy, may now play a more significant role in the EU`s broader migration management framework.
For other nationals, such as those from Tunisia and Egypt, the process will be more complex, with a return to Italy required before repatriation procedures are initiated. This distinction points to the logistical challenges and the balancing act that Italy faces in managing its relationships with both EU member states and neighbouring non- EU countries like Albania.
The Geopolitical Implications
This move is not just a matter of logistics but also a strategic geopolitical development. The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has already signed agreements with Italy to ensure that repatriation procedures for irregular migrants are handled in a controlled and structured manner. The involvement of Albania in this process, especially regarding the Gjadër camp, highlights Albania’s increasing significance in Europe’s migration policies.
However, the growing presence of migrants from various North African and Middle Eastern countries in Albania could strain local resources and complicate Albania’s role as a transit point for migrants. While Albania has made significant strides in its EU integration process, the increasing responsibility it is shouldering in terms of migrant repatriation could have implications for domestic political stability. Prime Minister Rama’s government may face both domestic and international pressure to ensure that its agreements with Italy do not result in a surge of migrants who remain in Albania longer than anticipated.
Furthermore, this development raises questions about the broader EU approach to migration. Albania, although not yet a full EU member, continues to demonstrate its willingness to cooperate with European countries in addressing migration challenges. The question remains whether this partnership will deepen over time or whether it will expose Albania to greater internal challenges as it takes on more responsibility in the European migration ecosystem.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Prospects
Italy’s latest approach, relying on camps in Albania for migrant repatriation – marks a significant shift in how European countries are navigating the growing migrant crisis. It underscores the delicate balance between ensuring humane treatment of migrants while addressing the logistical and financial challenges of migration management. However, as La Repubblica notes, it’s essential that Italy strengthens its existing agreements with Albania to avoid the “boomerang effect,” wherein migrants remain in Albania for extended periods before being sent home, thus frustrating both the migrants and the authorities. This could result in unintended consequences, including delays in the repatriation process and mounting political and social tensions.
As Italy, Albania, and other EU stakeholders continue to navigate these turbulent waters, it remains clear that migration will continue to be a significant issue for European policymakers. The coming months will likely test the strength of Italy- Albania cooperation in managing migration, with both countries keenly aware that the stakes are high—not only for their domestic policies but for the stability and future of the broader region.
In the meantime, the transfer of migrants to Gjadër could become a symbol of the
evolving dynamics between Albania and Italy, as both countries seek to manage the flow of migrants while also balancing their roles in the larger European geopolitical and security framework.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
