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The Court of the European Union (Weu) justified the Italian court, which questioned the decision of the Italian government to describe Bangladesh as a “safe country of origin” – a label that allows asylum seekers and reservations during the consideration of their application.
The decision emphasized that these categories should resolve a court review and be based on clear, affordable data. According to the court, the country cannot be described as “safe”, unless it is safe for specific vulnerable groups.
The case began when the Italian authorities were transferred to Albania two Bangladesh citizens who were saved in Albania, where Italy organized two applications about offshore shelters.
In these centers, immigrants can apply for asylum, as if they were in Italian territory, but only if they come from countries that Italy considers “safe”. Those who do not belong to these countries have the right to stay in Italy until the process of shelter survey is completed.
In October 2024, Italy resumed its list of “safe” countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt and other countries – a step that was criticized for ignoring the dangers with which some people still encounter these countries.
When two Bangladesh citizens appealed against the deviation of their requests, the Italian court sent the case to the European Union, demanding clarification about the absence of transparency in assessing “security”.
Rome reacts
The right of the Italian government, headed by Prime Minister Georgia Melony, resolutely reacted to the decision, accusing the EU court of “overcoming powers” and undermining national sovereignty. In an official statement, the government claimed that the court gave the opinion of individual judges of greater weight than in the depths of state investigations.
Rome claims that the decision reduces its ability to cope with illegal immigration and protect the boundaries.
Despite the decision, deportation to Albania is currently ongoing. The authorities revised the role of Albanian centers in order to now accept immigrants, whose shelter applications have already been rejected. The court decision is considered a victory for Italian judges, but has a limited short -term influence on state policy.
New shelter structure in the EU
At the same time, the EU legislation is developing. It is expected that regulation will enter into force in June 2026 or even earlier, will allow the member states to characterize countries as “safe” with some exceptions, which contributes to their practice with the approach of Italy.
In addition, the European Commission proposed an unrelated list of “safe countries”, including Egypt and Bangladesh.
It is worth noting that Italian centers in Albania are currently being held by only a few dozen people, despite the goal of 3000 per month.
It is also especially expensive: the cost of a place in the centers of Albania exceeds 153,000 euros compared to approximately 21,000 euros in the relevant centers of Sicily, according to a recent study by the Aldo Moro University in Bari.