ROME, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister confirmed on Monday the determination to proceed with a plan to deport irregular migrants to Albania, which has faced obstacles from national judges, emphasizing the government's mandate to reduce arrivals.
Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, two facilities have been established in Albania for housing migrants during the asylum application process. However, courts in Rome have intervened, issuing injunctions that prevent the transfer of individuals back to Italy.
The judges have expressed concerns regarding the scheme's alignment with a recent decision from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which questioned the lawfulness of returning migrants to countries deemed potentially unsafe.
The ECJ is set to review the case later this month to provide further clarification.
Meloni, addressing a gathering of senior police officers, expressed hope that the ECJ would mitigate the risks associated with repatriation policies, not only for Italy but for all EU member states.
According to the ECJ ruling, a country cannot send a migrant back if any part of their home country is considered unsafe.
Although Italy was not directly involved in the original case, Italian judges have raised concerns about the government's intent to repatriate migrants held in Albania should their asylum applications be denied.
Supporters of the government have accused the judges of obstructing one of Meloni's key policy objectives, amid wider discussions about justice system reform—an accusation the judiciary has rejected.
"We are fully committed to overcoming any challenges," Meloni assured attendees at the police conference.
"Citizens are urging us to tackle illegal immigration due to its impact on security, integration, and the rule of law," she emphasized.