In 2023, Italy and Albania signed a significant deal to process up to 3,000 male migrants, which involves constructing two detention centers at a cost of 670 million euros, operating under Italian jurisdiction with Albanian security.

The European Commission has expressed support for Italy's controversial protocol with Albania, aimed at processing migrants outside the EU to deter departures, as stated by Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.

The European Commission has backed Italy's position in the European Court of Justice regarding the Italy-Albania Migration Deal, asserting that EU law allows member states to designate certain countries as 'safe' for specific migrant groups.

On February 25, 2025, the Italian government defended its plan to process asylum-seekers in Albania before the European Court of Justice, asserting compliance with EU and human rights laws.

This case raises critical questions about the 'safe third country' principle that Italy cites to expedite asylum processes for migrants.

Lawyers representing the migrants argue that Albania does not meet the EU's criteria as a 'safe third country', particularly highlighting risks for vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals.

In light of ongoing legal challenges, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's government is exploring ways to navigate the complexities surrounding the protocol.

To address legal setbacks regarding the Albania protocol, the Italian government is considering converting the processing centers into repatriation centers for irregular migrants currently in Italy.

A Rome court previously challenged the legality of the 'safe third country' principle, leading to a referral to the ECJ to clarify the conditions under which a country can be classified as 'safe'.

The protocol has faced legal challenges, with the detention of the first groups of migrants sent to Albania being overturned by Italian courts pending a ruling on the safety of their countries of origin.

The Advocate General of the EU's top court is expected to provide a non-binding opinion on the case in April 2025, with a ruling anticipated before summer 2025.

Despite the Italian government's commitment to activate the facilities, the Albanian centers, which opened in October 2023, remain largely empty, with over 100 staff members recently dismissed.