Rome calls for an hub in Africa modelled on Albania. EU: we will consider the proposal
There is reportedly already a preliminary list of countries that could be involved, including ‘Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Montenegro and Ethiopia’
Italia, represented by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, will present a proposal at the European Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday to create new hubs for the return of irregular migrants – modelled on the ‘Albanian model’ – but financed with European funds and located almost entirely in Africa.
The reports in *Corriere della Sera*, *La Repubblica* and *La Stampa* have been confirmed by government sources. There is reportedly already a preliminary list of countries that could be involved, including ‘Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Montenegro and Ethiopia’.
Italy’s other request at the negotiating table is likely to be the strict implementation of the ‘GSP+’ programme, which was approved this year and is due to come into force on 1 January 2027, a system that links tariff benefits for developing countries “to effective cooperation in readmitting their own citizens who are residing illegally in the EU”.
EU: ready to assess comprehensive proposals on European repatriation hubs
On the subject of European repatriation centres, “the next steps are up to the Member States.”
“The Commission is ready to assess comprehensive proposals, based on strategic cooperation with our partners throughout the process and in line with the legal framework.” This was stated by a spokesperson for the European Commission at 8.30 pm on 2 August when asked about the Italian proposal concerning the so-called return hubs, i.e. repatriation centres in third countries.
