Migrant detention facilities nearly built in Albania in controversial deal with Italy

The construction of two Italian migrant detention centres in Albania is underway, with facilities expected to open at the beginning of August. Italian Prime Minister George Maloney and Albanian Prime Minister Eddie Rama signed a deal where Albania agreed to shelter migrants while Italy processes their asylum claims. Maloney has defended the controversial plan, saying it is necessary as part of her policy to crack down on migration and deter prospective refugees. From making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, the deal was described as outside EU law by former European Commissioner Yilva Johansson. Italian opposition lawmakers also decried the plan as too expensive. Would it expect it to cost over €600 million within five years? Over half of the EU member states have signed a document asking the European Commission to move in this direction. Albania could receive up to 36,000 asylum seekers each year.