Meloni hails EU migrant return regulation as 'great success' for Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament's approval of the new Returns Regulation as a "great success" for Italy and Europe. The regulation, which passed with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions, facilitates the repatriation of migrants lacking the right to stay in the EU and permits the creation of migrant processing centers in third countries.

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Today Italy has achieved a great success in Europe. The European Parliament has approved the new Returns Regulation, a historic measure resulting above all from the Italian government, which will allow us to quickly repatriate those who do not have the right to be in the EU.

Meloni specifically pointed to Italy's controversial agreement with Albania as a model for this new European framework. The Italian-Albanian protocol involves establishing centers in Albania to process asylum claims and potential expulsions of migrants rescued in the central Mediterranean. Meloni stated that this strategy, despite criticism from the left, is now a tool available to all of Europe.

"Today Italy has achieved a great success in Europe," Meloni declared in a video message during the G7 summit. She emphasized that the regulation is a "historic measure" primarily driven by the Italian government, enabling the swift return of individuals not entitled to remain in the EU. She asserted that her government is fulfilling its promise to change Europe.

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The Regulation allows, among other things, for the opening of repatriation centers in third countries, effectively following the path opened by the Italian government with the protocol with Albania.

The regulation's approval comes after a provisional political agreement reached on June 1. Spain had opposed the regulation since its inception. Meloni framed the policy as crucial for defending borders, drastically reducing arrivals, combating human traffickers, and immediately repatriating those without legal status. She concluded by stating her commitment to continue pursuing these policies with "courage, patience, and determination."

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We had promised Italians that we would change Europe and we have done so... with courage, patience, and determination. Our compass is clear: respect the program. We will not stop, we will move forward.