Recently approved by the Italian government, a memorandum of understanding on migrants has sparked controversy in Tirana. The agreement, which outlines the construction of two pre-removal migrant centers under Italian jurisdiction in Albania, faces opposition from the center-right faction in Tirana.

On December 6, members of the centre-right opposition to Premier Edi Rama appealed to the Constitutional Court, opposing the accord with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and urging the suspension of its ratification in Parliament, citing conflicts with Albania's constitution and international conventions.

Also read: Albanian opposition attacks Rama's deal with Italy

'Albania renounces sovereignty in hosting facilities'

The appeals, filed by the Albanian Democratic Party led by former Interior Minister Lulzim Basha and 28 MPs associated with ex-premier Sali Berisha, argue that the accord goes beyond a simple protocol between governments, as "Albania renounces its sovereignty over the territory designed to host the center."

Based on the text approved by the council of ministers, the centers will be treated as border or transit zones under Italian jurisdiction, only housing migrants rescued by Italian authorities outside territorial or European waters.

The opposition insists that Prime Minister Edi Rama should have obtained the president's authorization for such an agreement.

The two appeals also urge the High Court to act quickly because the Albanian parliament is scheduled to vote for the ratification of the memorandum on December 22. However, the judges are unlikely to be able to intervene in such a short period of time.

Also read: Italy-Albania deal: Only migrants rescued in non-EU waters can be sent to Albania

'Sum to be earmarked for centers will be lower than reported'

Meanwhile in Italy, after Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani assured that the centers will not be too expensive for Rome, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stressed that the sum to create the migrant facilities in Albania "is below what has been reported by some media outlets." Media outlets reported that the centers would cost "under 200 million euros a year", informally quoting government sources.

"The definition of resources is ongoing in ministry facilities, but they must be seen as an investment in the management of migration policies," stressed Piantedosi. He added that they "will also compensate for the costs weighing on the hosting system due to the massive arrival of migrants."

Other details still need to be defined.

'Frontex can't help Italy for repatriations from Albania'

EU border agency Frontex has said it cannot help Italy repatriate migrants from Albania. "We can provide support both to member countries and third countries and we provide support to Albania, but our regulation does not allow us to carry out repatriations from third countries," explained Frontex executive director Hans Leijtens, addressing the Schengen committee.

"We are not allowed to help Albania repatriate migrants. If Italy needs help, we can do it on Italian soil under Italian jurisdiction," he concluded.

Also read: German Chancellor Scholz to examine Italy-Albania asylum deal