Italy is failing with deportation centers – what’s next for Europe?

Italy is failing with deportation centers – what’s next for Europe?

On April 29, 2025, there are clear tensions within the EU regarding the handling of asylum seekers and their return. The upcoming program “Focus Europe” on Wednesday, April 30th at 11 p.m. on ORF 2 and ORF ON will address the topic of how Italy has failed with its plans for deportation centers. The judiciary has managed to stop Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's legal plans to send rejected asylum seekers to Albania. This development highlights the challenges Italy faces in asylum policy.

The EU Commission is currently working on implementing rules to standardize and tighten deportations. According to a proposal from Commissioner Magnus Brunner, member states should be given the opportunity to set up deportation centers outside the EU. The aim is to maintain the acceptance of the European asylum system, as only 20% of asylum seekers who are obliged to leave the country actually leave the EU. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented this bill as part of her commission's 100-day review to create a targeted regulation for migrants.

New EU legislation

The planned draft law aims to encourage migrants who are obliged to leave the country to leave the country voluntarily. A “European Return Order” will be introduced, which anchors the rejection of an asylum application in the Schengen information system. This regulation is intended to make it easier for all member states to adopt decisions and prevent multiple applications. While the draft law is currently going through coordination between the Commission, member states and the European Parliament, there are already different opinions on the proposed measures.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the SPD welcomed the proposal, while Social Democrats and Greens in the European Parliament spoke out against outsourcing asylum procedures. Refugee organizations have expressed concerns about the inhumane conditions that could exist in the new deportation centers. These facilities should only be set up in countries with international human rights standards. Special rules are planned for suspected criminal or violent migrants, who can be detained indefinitely until deportation.

Italy and the challenges of migration

The situation is particularly tense in Italy. The halt to plans to deport rejected asylum seekers to Albania reflects the increasing problem of the asylum system in Europe. With return rates continuing to fall and the need to improve conditions for migrants, it is clear that comprehensive reforms are needed. The debate over deportation centers, which are seen as a tool to deal with the crisis, remains contentious.

Overall, it is clear that the challenges in asylum policy pose major tasks for both countries like Italy and the entire EU. Comprehensive strategies are needed to stabilize the situation and ensure humane treatment of all migrants. Those interested can find further information on migration and asylum on the Eurostat website.

The upcoming program “Focus Europe” will not only address the topic from the Italian perspective, but will also comprehensively shed light on the current discussion about the development of EU asylum policy.