Albania's Asylum Agreement: A Bold Move in EU Migration Policy

Albania has made an exception to accept migrants processed initially by Italy under a five-year agreement. The decision, part of a deal between Albania and Italy, highlights gratitude for past support. Migrants picked up in international waters will be screened in Albania before asylum decisions are made.

Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, has announced that the country will accept asylum-seekers from Italy, under a specific agreement, while denying similar requests from other EU nations. This move acknowledges Italy's past assistance to Albania.

An Italian naval ship is set to bring the first group of 16 migrants to Albania, where their asylum applications will be processed. The five-year deal permits Italy to send up to 3,000 migrants monthly to Albania for initial screening.

This controversial agreement, seen as a solution to migration pressures, has faced criticism from human rights groups and praise from some EU countries. It marks a significant shift in handling migration policies within the EU.

(With inputs from agencies.)