The Constitutional Court of Albania yesterday, Monday, gave the green light to the Albanian Prime Minister’s agreement Eddie Rama with his Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni on the establishment in the north-western part of Albania of two camps for the transfer from Italy and the accommodation of immigrants and refugees from third countries.

According to the majority of the Constitutional Court, the Rama-Melioni Agreement it does not question the territorial integrity of Albania and the jurisdiction over the two camps is not exclusive to the Italian side, but to the two countries.

At the Constitutional Court 30 MPs had appealed of the opposition with the above requests, shortly before the Agreement was ratified by the Parliament of Albania.

The deal on immigrants between Italy and Albania it had been signed by the respective prime ministers on November 6, 2023. It had caused strong reactions in the two countries, but also in many organizations dealing with immigration. The agreement provides for the transfer from Italy to two camps in the northwestern part of Albania, approx 3,000 immigrants and refugees from third countries. According to the Agreement, the Italian side is responsible for all costs and administrative staff.

The asylum requests of immigrants and refugees will be processed in the camps in Albania. For those who will be approved for this right, they will return to Italy. The Italian side is also responsible for the rest.

The agreement is valid for five years with the right to automatic renewal for another five years.