Brussels, Feb. 25 (LaPresse) – The conclusions of the Advocate General of the EU Court, Richard de la Tour, in the consolidated cases related to the Italy-Albania protocol and the definition of safe countries of origin will be issued on April 10, 2025. This morning, the hearing with the parties involved took place. The ruling is expected to be issued shortly, as the procedure was given an expedited process: the Court’s decision is expected before the summer. The Italy-Albania Protocol, ratified in February 2024, established a detention and repatriation center on Albanian territory, but under Italian jurisdiction. The Court recalls in its case summary that this center can hold asylum seekers who may undergo an expedited border procedure, which is reserved for individuals coming from countries considered safe. Two Bangladeshi citizens were brought to this center, where they applied for international protection. However, their request was rejected as unfounded by the Territorial Commission of Rome, as Bangladesh is recognized as a safe country under a joint ministerial decree from May 2024. This decree was later replaced by a law decree in October, taking into account the ruling in case C-406/22. The two applicants appealed the denial decision to the Court of Rome. To decide on the requests, the judge has asked the European Court of Justice to clarify whether the national legislation regarding the designation of safe countries of origin is compatible with Union law, under various aspects.
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