Albanian Parliament approves migration agreement with Italy
Albanian Parliament approves migration agreement with Italy
The Albanian Parliament approved an agreement signed last year with Italy on strengthening cooperation in the field of migration.
The ratification process of the agreement signed between the two countries in the Albanian Parliament has been completed, despite the tension at the session.
The agreement, which opposition lawmakers wanted to declare contrary to the Albanian Constitution, was adopted by the votes of 77 deputies from the 140-seat parliament.
Tension at the parliamentary session
In the Albanian Parliament, opposition lawmakers often obstruct meetings where some existing bills are scheduled to be discussed.
The session was tense as lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Albania (DP) and other opposition parties that had previously used various methods blew the whistle and blocked the podium today.
In the shadow of tension, some bills could not be discussed.
Opposition MPs declare that they will continue their actions in parliament "in order to defend their constitutional rights with all their might."
On the other hand, some citizens gathered in front of the Parliament building to protest against another amendment to the law approved by Parliament.
Migration Agreement between Italy and Albania
The agreement signed between the two countries on November 6, 2023, on strengthening cooperation in the field of migration, has caused various discussions in both Albania and Italy.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed an agreement that allows the creation of two centers for illegal migrants on Albanian territory.
According to the statement of the Albanian Government, this protocol is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the parties on the management of migration flows from third countries in accordance with international and European law.
In addition, the protocol in question stipulates that some of the illegal immigrants rescued in the Mediterranean will be transferred to Albania and will remain there while their asylum applications are being processed.
