The Advocate General of the CJEU has given the green light to the protocol between Italy and Albania to create repatriation centers on Albanian territory. The opinion, non-binding but influential, requires respect for individual rights and guarantees. The court's final decision is expected in the coming weeks and will set a precedent in European migration management.
Biometric control and shared databases 🛂
The centers plan identification systems using iris scanners and fingerprints, connected to the Eurodac database. Surveillance drones with thermal vision will be used for the perimeter, and case management software based on blockchain to prevent leaks. Italy will finance the infrastructure with 670 million euros, including a data center with energy redundancy.
Albania, the new Airbnb of migration bureaucracy 🏖️
Finally, a country charges for renting out its territory so others can manage their paperwork. Italy puts up the money, Albania the land, and migrants, the queues. All very European: outsourcing problems with beaches in between. Of course, if the CJEU says rights must be respected, let's hope Albanian officials don't confuse a repatriation center with an all-inclusive resort.