EU Court Ruling Curbs Italy’s Fast-Track Deportation Policy, Strengthens Migrant Protections

Luxembourg, 1 August 2025 — The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that while Italy may continue to fast-track the deportation of rejected asylum seekers to countries it designates as “safe,” such procedures must be subject to judicial oversight and meet strict legal standards.

The decision stems from a case involving two Bangladeshi nationals whose asylum claims were swiftly rejected under Italy’s accelerated process. The ECJ emphasized that migrants must be granted the right to challenge such decisions and that the designation of a country as “safe” must be based on transparent, accessible criteria that ensure protection for all population groups, including minorities.

Italy’s current policy—introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—includes detaining migrants in offshore facilities in Albania and expediting returns to countries not experiencing war or widespread persecution. Critics argue the system undermines due process and deprives migrants of adequate legal support.

The ECJ’s ruling is widely seen as a safeguard against wrongful deportations. By requiring judicial scrutiny and comprehensive country assessments, the court reinforces the integrity of the EU’s asylum framework and affirms the right of individuals to seek fair legal mediation.

While the Italian government expressed concern that the decision limits its autonomy in managing migration, human rights advocates have welcomed the ruling as a necessary check on executive power and a step toward more humane and thorough asylum procedures.