EU 'Brakes' Meloni's Albania Migrant Plan

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has put a brake on Giorgia Meloni's 'Albania model', strengthening the role of national judges in overseeing the deportation of migrants. The decision finds that member states can designate 'safe countries', but judges must be able to review each deportation case and cancel it if rights are violated.

The decision comes at a time when Italian courts have already overturned three migrant transfers to Albania. The CJEU notes that a country cannot be considered safe if it does not guarantee human rights for vulnerable groups.

Italy has designated 19 countries as 'safe', including Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, causing reactions. The CJEU confirms that every migrant has the right to challenge their transfer and the judge can request additional evidence to assess the legality of the deportation.

The Italian government reacted sharply, speaking of interference by European justice. Judicial bodies in Italy welcomed the decision. The 'Albania model' had been presented as a solution to decongest Italian structures, but the high cost and few vacant places make it controversial.

The CJEU's decision does not invalidate the plan, but sets strict conditions, rendering it inactive until the new European Pact on Migration in 2026.