Overview
- Leaders signed a broad cooperation package in Rome covering migration, security, defense, energy, health, innovation and infrastructure.
- Priority projects include the European Corridor VIII and a tripartite Italy–UAE–Albania plan for renewables coupled with a submarine power interconnector to Italy.
- Meloni said the two facilities in Albania will operate as intended when the EU migration and asylum pact enters into force in 2026 and she rejected blame for the setbacks.
- Italian judicial rulings and EU-level reviews have curtailed implementation, leaving the Shengjin hotspot largely closed and the Gjader center used mainly for transfers from Italy rather than sea rescues.
- Opposition leaders called the project a costly failure and cited figures up to €800 million to over €1 billion, as defense ties deepened with a Fincantieri–Kayo venture to build seven ships in Pashaliman and new patrol boats for Albania’s coast guard.