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Italy is seeking to expand at the European level themodel for migrant centers established in Albania, suggesting the establishment of deportation centers for foreign nationals who enter EU territory illegally to safe third countries while their asylum and immigration cases are being processed.

The plan, disclosed by top Italian media organizations and verified by government representatives, will be introduced by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during the special meeting of European Union interior ministers scheduled for Tuesday.

The gathering was arranged following the migration crisis that occurred in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave located on Moroccan soil, where up to 70,000 migrants managed to enter the Spanish autonomous region over the past few days.

Several African nations are being considered as possible host countries, with Uganda mentioned as one of the more viable choices. The issue of the funding required for the project, nevertheless, is still unresolved.

“We must develop a unified approach to immigration. The Italian government, along with Denmark’s social democratic administration, has called for this meeting to ensure the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact within the EU. In other words, the process of returning individuals is being initiated,” stated Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to local media outlets before Tuesday’s gathering.

Tajani also suggested the “idea of establishing new Albania-model centers in several African nations” and “broadly speaking, in countries of origin and transit.”

Madrid faces allegations of ‘ideological manipulation’

The situation in Ceuta has created a new area of tension between Italy and Spain concerning the handling of migrants.

Tajani supported the stance of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, calling it “strict and balanced,” while opposing the approach taken by the Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez, which was criticized for being too accommodating on migration issues.

The top Italian diplomat stated that Madrid’s approach contradicts the Italian method, which is backed by nearly all other countries.

“The ‘everyone come to Europe’ approach is incorrect, as Europe cannot accept everyone without distinction. It is positive that the European Commission supports Italy’s stance rather than Spain’s,” Tajani added.

The Italian foreign minister criticized the “ideological manipulation” he claims the Spanish government has generated regarding migration, stating that the cooperation agreement could result in “necessary policies,” distinct from “slogans and false promises.”

What is Italy proposing?

The government aims to establish a system of facilities located outside the European Union focused on handling and repatriating undocumented migrants, relying on collaboration with home countries and transit nations.

The concept was initially introduced by the Italian prime minister at the end of June, following the approval of the new EU rule regarding returns. Rome plans to finalize the proposal and submit it to the remaining 26 member states.

The latest centers, as per the Italian suggestion, would receive funding from the group.

An early list comprises various African nations and some countries not typically part of conventional migration paths. Possible contenders are Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Montenegro.

Uganda is one of the most concrete choices being considered. Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands are said to have already shown interest in potential projects within the African nation.

Montenegro might also be included in the European strategy, although talks are still in the early phases. A major issue yet to be resolved relates to the funding of the initiative, covering both EU and national contributions.

The GSP+ programme

Rome will also push for a more rigorous implementation of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences program, referred to as GSP+, which was approved earlier this year and is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.

The system connects trade advantages and duty cuts provided to developing nations with their willingness to repatriate individuals trying to enter or remain in Europe without proper authorization.

The objective is to enhance the resources that aid and assist in the repatriation of migrants and asylum seekers, while promoting greater collaboration with their home countries.

Meanwhile, the government is aiming to have the Italian-managed center in Gjader, Albania, fully functional by the end of the year.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the aim is “to restore it to full functionality by the end of the year, or possibly sooner if the issues and legal matters are addressed.”

The facility is prepared to either return to its initial purpose or to operate in accordance with the updated EU regulations, following the completion of the required legal procedures.

The original plan had a more extensive application of the Albanian centers, with an estimated capacity of up to 3,000 individuals per month and a potential annual total of 36,000 migrants.

The objective was to implement expedited border processes for reviewing asylum claims. However, since April last year, the facility has functioned solely as a detention center for deportations. Only a small number of individuals have gone through it during this time, and the quantity of deportations has stayed low.

The Gjader complex consists of three facilities, each serving a distinct purpose. The biggest center, intended for asylum seekers, offers 880 beds. Additionally, there is an Italian-managed repatriation detention unit (CPR) that can accommodate 144 individuals, along with a small detention facility for 20 people.

At the Schengjin port, a primary intake center has been established to accommodate migrants who were detected in the central Mediterranean and subsequently transferred onto an Italian naval ship.

Detention orders issued at the facility remain unapproved by judges, causing delays in the project’s execution.