EU lawmakers criticized the migration deal between Italy and Albania on Wednesday, arguing that it runs counter to EU values ​​and violates migrants’ rights.

During the plenary session of the European Parliament, several MEPs pointed out that Italy’s decision to reach an agreement with a third country undermines the EU’s common migration policies.

“The agreement between Italy and Albania violates the right to asylum and international law,” said Spanish MEP Estrella Galan Perez. She described sending refugees and migrants to neighboring countries as “illegal, immoral and inhumane”, calling the construction of prisons for refugees in Europe “barbaric”.

Similarly, Ana Catarina Mendes from the S&D party emphasized that this agreement is disturbing and that one should not be silent about it.

Cecilia Strada, Italian MEP, described the agreement with Tirana as a “threat to human rights” and damage to European economies.

The decision dealt a first blow to the five-year deal between Rome and Tirana, under which two new detention centers in Albania are expected to receive 3,000 migrants a month picked up by the Italian coast guard in international waters.

Meanwhile, migrants can be processed for possible asylum in Italy or returned to their countries if their claims are rejected.