Italy's Migrant Challenge: Court Orders Return from Albania

An Italian coastguard vessel transported migrants back to Italy from Albania following a court ruling against Rome's plan to house asylum-seekers abroad. The Italian government plans to appeal the decision, aiming to address the country's migration strategy and define safe countries for migrants.

An Italian coastguard vessel on Saturday carried migrants from Albania to Italy, following a court ruling that challenged Rome's plan to keep asylum-seekers outside the EU borders. This move is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's strategy to manage migration flows.

The government in Italy is preparing to contest the decision, with plans for a cabinet meeting on Monday to discuss how to proceed. Originally, 16 migrants were moved to Albania, but a court ordered the return of 12 to Italy, citing concerns over their countries of origin, Egypt and Bangladesh.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed confidence that the ruling could be overturned on appeal. The plan to house migrants in Albania had included those from a list of 'safe' countries. However, the European Court of Justice ruled otherwise, insisting on the migrants' right to be brought to Italy.

(With inputs from agencies.)