Italy’s migrant centres in Albania to open on Aug 1 – Meloni

“The two-month delay was caused by a somewhat difficult terrain in Gjader,” Meloni said during a press conference in Tirana, as seen in a video shared on Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Facebook profile.

Construction costs amounted to some 13.5 million euro ($14.6 million), Meloni noted.

Italy agreed with Albania to establish the centres that will accommodate migrants rescued at sea by Italian boats while their asylum applications are being processed. One centre will be situated near the Shengjin port and the other further inland, in the village of Gjader.

The deal drew criticism from opposition parties and human rights organisations.

In response to the controversy, Meloni emphasized on Wednesday the need for collaboration with non-EU countries, stating that illegal migration is a concern that EU nations cannot address alone.

Italy will fully cover the costs of construction, security, and medical care for asylum seekers, with expenses estimated to reach up to a total 750 million-euro for the first five years, Italian media have reported.

($=0.919 euro)