Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, responds to the Italian MEPs in the EP Foreign Affairs Committee on the Italy-Albania migrant agreement.
Várhelyi said that they are analyzing it as a case since it looks like an interesting model. He adds that any kind of cooperation between Italy and Albania for security for Europe should be appreciated and that they are ready to contribute”
“We are analyzing the agreement between Italy and Albania for the management of migratory flows, it is an interesting model. There is already good security cooperation between Albania and Italy, for example the great efforts of the Financial Police in 2020 and 2021 that changed the reality on the ground. I believe that any kind of cooperation between Italy and Albania for security for Europe should be appreciated and we are ready to contribute,” said Olivér Várhelyi.
Yesterday, the complete agreement between the Italian and Albanian governments for migrants was published.
In this agreement, it is determined that the neighboring country will use the surface of the Albanian territory for the construction of the host structures which are expected to be erected in Shëngjin and Gjadër.
In article 4, it is emphasized that Italy will set up, entirely at its own expense, the structures for the stay of migrants. The maximum limit of the reception of foreigners will be no more than 3 thousand sheltered persons at the same time.
Also, Italy will take over any expenses for the refugees, including healthcare and other anticipated expenses that may come from the Albanian side.
In the document officially signed by Rama and Meloni on Monday in Rome, it is determined that the maximum period of stay of an migrant cannot be longer than the time needed for asylum and protection procedures, which includes 45 days.
The protocol will remain in force for 5 years. Except for cases where one of the parties communicates with a warning at least six months before the end date its intention not to renew this protocol, if not the protocol will be renewed in silent form for another period of 5 years.
