Albania won't extend Italy migration deal past 2030, foreign minister signals
Tirana plans to end the controversial asylum processing arrangement when it joins the European Union, according to Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha.
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Albania will not renew its migration deal with Italy beyond 2030, Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told Euractiv exclusively, signalling an end to the controversial arrangement as Tirana prepares for EU membership.
The bilateral accord, which allows Italy to process asylum claims at facilities in Albania, has been central to Rome's migration strategy. Hoxha's statement suggests Albania views the agreement as incompatible with full EU membership status.
The declaration adds uncertainty to Italy's longer-term migration policy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed the deal as a model for tackling irregular arrivals. EU membership for Albania would require alignment with bloc migration and asylum standards, potentially conflicting with bilateral third-country processing arrangements.