Italy’s plan to outsource part of its migrant management to Albania has received backing from an advocate general at the EU’s top court, who said European law does not in principle prevent member states from setting up return and detention centres outside their territory.
In a non-binding opinion issued on Thursday, the adviser to the Court of Justice of the European Union said such arrangements are permissible provided that all safeguards under EU law are fully respected.
These include access to legal assistance, interpretation, and the ability to maintain contact with family members and authorities. The opinion stressed that particular care must be ensured for minors and other vulnerable individuals.
“This is important news, confirming that we were on the right track and highlighting just how much Italy has lost by wasting two years on forced and unfounded judicial proceedings,” Giorgia Meloni , the Italian prime minister said on Thursday.
The findings relate to the…
