Italy and Albania Implement Migrant Processing Centers in Unprecedented Deal

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visits Albania to solidify the agreement as the EU considers replicating the model.

The five-year deal allows Albania to host up to 3,000 migrants per month while Italy processes their asylum claims.
Meloni's visit included tours of the migrant centers, which are set to be operational by August.
The agreement has sparked debate, with human rights groups concerned about refugee protections and opposition calling it propaganda.
The plan aims to deter illegal crossings and has drawn interest from other EU nations.
The centers, funded by Italy, will cost approximately $730 million over five years.