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Brussels (ANSA) – Europe is continuing its clampdown on migration. At the Justice and Home Affairs Council, in fact, the 27 gave the green light to three key pieces of the legislative mosaic that complements the Pact, namely the major reform approved in 2024, which will enter into force next June. These are the rules on returns, on the concept of safe third countries and on the EU list of safe countries of origin.
A tightening that, among other things, will legally allow the creation of ‘return hubs’ abroad, provided that certain safety criteria for migrants are met. Green light therefore to the Albania model. This can now evolve, in fact, also into a return center and not only a registration center, with great “satisfaction” on the part of Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
“It is an agreement to which we attach great value, Italy has played an important role,” stressed the head of the Interior Ministry. Completing the hat-trick, there is also the agreement on the solidarity fund for 2026 proposed by the Commission, as provided for by the Migration Pact. Since, however, it will enter into force in the middle of the year, further negotiations among the 27 were necessary. And so, the quota set is 21,000 (whereas it should be at least 30,000, once fully operational).
Italy, on the basis of the report drawn up by the EU executive, is among the 4 countries that must receive (mandatory) solidarity from the other member states. The capitals, however, will be able to choose whether to physically relocate a share of migrants or to contribute with funding or alternative measures. The greatest interest, according to reports, is precisely in financial contributions, so as not to have to take in new migrants, although, surprisingly, a certain number of countries have said they are willing to accept relocations (8 December).