Albania

Meşru experts and rights groups have raised alarm over the move, questioning its legality and accusing Italy of undermining asylum rights.

Brussels decided in 2020 to start full membership negotiations with Albania, and talks began last October on how the Western Balkan country aligns with the EU in its fundamental principles.

Under the new decree, two centres in Albania will now also house migrants who arrived in Italy, had their asylum request rejected and received a deportation order.

An Italian navy ship arrived Tuesday in Albania with 49 migrants who were intercepted in international waters. Their asylum applications are set to be handled by processing centres in Albania.