A preliminary list of potential host countries for centers includes non-EU states such as Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Montenegro and Ethiopia.

Meloni seeks broad EU backing for the plan, arguing growing support among member states for the model.

The push comes amid calls for a unified EU migration approach following the Ceuta crisis, which highlighted border-control challenges.

Italian Prime Minister moves to expand immigration control by proposing Albanian-style migrant repatriation centers and stronger EU-funded deals with African countries, financed largely by EU funds and located mainly in Africa.

The plan builds on the Albania-Italy centers in Gjadra and Shengjin, designed to house migrants intercepted at sea, and would rely on EU financing rather than Italy alone.

Meloni frames the proposal as an EU-wide model for immigration management, akin to the Albanian system.

Meanwhile, Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen visa-free regime with Spain for non-EU citizens, a measure under governmental review.

Foreign Minister warns that legalizing many irregular migrants could fuel human trafficking, fueling a tougher stance on migration policy.

An emergency EU meeting is anticipated to discuss unified mechanisms for immigration control and repatriation.

Italy plans to present these proposals to the EU Council, supported by a letter signed by 22 European countries, and aims to bring the plan to an upcoming EU interior ministers meeting.

Italy also aims to push for strict enforcement of the EU’s GSP+ program to tie tariff benefits to cooperation on readmitting its citizens residing illegally in the EU.

The initiative follows talks with Denmark’s prime minister and is presented domestically as evidence of Europe-wide support for Italy’s stance on immigration.