As Europe grapples with increasing migration, Italy and Albania are considering a proposal that could reshape how the continent handles displaced populations. The idea, which emerged in recent discussions between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, involves transforming existing migrant reception centers in Albania into makeshift prisons to house individuals with suspected ties to organized crime.
The proposal would see migrants with criminal links, including those allegedly connected to the Albanian mafia, being relocated to facilities in Albania’s northern regions, including Shëngjin and Gjadër. These areas have been identified as potential ‘hotspots,’ or temporary detention sites, while migrants await the completion of their asylum procedures.
Rising pressure and a shift in strategy
The new approach follows warnings from Italian authorities, including Naples’ chief prosecutor, who recently stated that Albanian criminal networks are likely to play a central role in Europe’s future mafia landscape. The shift in strategy highlights mounting concerns about overcrowding in Italy’s prisons, which currently operate at more than 130% of capacity.
In addition to addressing overcrowding, the proposal aims to reduce the strain on Italy’s overcrowded prison system while also offering an alternative solution for migrants who have been rescued at sea. Under the current plan, migrants arriving by sea would be temporarily housed in Albania while awaiting processing in line with European Union guidelines.
Strengthening ties and sharing responsibility
The idea of repurposing Albania’s facilities for this initiative is not new. For decades, Italy and Albania have maintained close ties, shaped by historical migration flows and cooperation on security matters. One significant moment in this relationship occurred in 1991, when thousands of Albanians fled the collapse of the country’s communist regime aboard the Vlora ship, which later docked in Bari, Italy.
In recent years, the two countries have collaborated on a range of issues, including disaster response and counterterrorism operations. The shared commitment to addressing the migration crisis reflects the growing strength of bilateral cooperation, with Italy and Albania aiming to further strengthen their relationship within the broader European context.
The new proposal is seen by some as a pragmatic solution to a complex problem. While Albania has long been a transit point for migrants seeking to reach Western Europe, this plan would formalize the country’s role in managing asylum seekers. The intention is for Albania to serve as a holding area where migrants can be processed and monitored while also easing the burden on Italy’s overstretched detention facilities.
Controversy and concerns
Despite the practical appeal of the proposal, it has drawn significant criticism, both within Albania and abroad. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of Albania’s detention facilities and whether they are equipped to handle a sudden influx of migrants with criminal backgrounds. Human rights organizations have also expressed unease about the potential for abuse, citing the lack of infrastructure and legal safeguards in place for such a drastic policy.
Further complicating matters is the fact that Italy’s proposal comes at a time when the country is still working to implement its new migration pact with the European Union. The pact, approved earlier this year, aims to streamline asylum processing across member states and increase cooperation with countries like Albania, where migrant reception centers are already in operation.
Some critics worry that turning these centers into prisons could undermine EU values of dignity and human rights, potentially sparking further tensions within the union as countries struggle to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
