News - EU Considers Armenia for Migrant Detention Centers

In a strategic move to counter rising illegal immigration challenges, Italy is set to present a bold proposal to the European Council on August 4. The plan involves establishing EU-funded migrant detention centers in several non-EU countries, with Armenia notably mentioned as a potential host. According to Italy's renowned newspaper, Corriere della Sera, the proposal is part of a larger push, driven by a collective call from 22 EU member states for more rigorous immigration controls and enhanced border security. The method for this initiative draws inspiration from Italy's existing agreement with Albania, though the new centers would rely on funding from the European Union. The proposal outlines transferring irregular migrants to dedicated facilities outside the EU, where their asylum requests would be processed, and arrangements for their return to their home countries would initiate. While the primary focus for these centers would be in Africa, the mentioned list of candidates includes a variety of nations such as Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Montenegro, alongside Armenia. This initiative coincides with an increasing migratory pressure on Europe's southern borders. Recently, a significant gathering of young Moroccans at Spain's border in Ceuta underscored the urgency for new strategies to manage these migratory flows. Despite the strategic implications of this proposal, it's interesting to note that the Armenian government under Prime Minister Pashinyan has not released any statements in response. Additionally, there has been no official confirmation from the EU or Italy regarding Armenia’s involvement. As the European Council's meeting looms, all eyes are on how this game-changing proposal will be received and the broader implications it could have for immigration policy and EU relations with non-member states.