Italian authorities restrict MEP access to Gjadër migrant facility

Dutch MEP Anna Strolenberg reported that staff members were turned away without explanation, describing the atmosphere as one of deliberate concealment. While the site was originally intended for asylum processing, lawmakers found it functioning exclusively as a pre-removal center for individuals awaiting deportation. Strolenberg noted that many detainees, some of whom have resided in Italy for a decade, remain in a legal limbo without clear guidance on their status or the opportunity to formally request asylum.

Conditions inside appear dire. During their visit, MEPs observed clear signs of self-harm among the detainees. Tineke Strik, the Greens’ coordinator in the European Committee on Civil Liberties, condemned the setup, arguing that the system established by the Italy-Albania deal is failing and should not serve as a blueprint for future EU-funded centers. Beyond human rights concerns, the facility faces intense financial scrutiny. A study by ActionAid Italy suggests the site's running costs are seven times higher than those of equivalent facilities on Italian soil, raising questions about the fiscal viability of the offshore strategy.