Italy Reportedly Eyes Armenia as Possible Host for EU-Funded Migrant Detention Center

Armenia has been named among a group of countries that could host European Union-funded detention centers for migrants awaiting deportation under a proposal Italy is expected to present to EU leaders on Monday, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The plan, which will reportedly be introduced by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during an EU Council meeting on Aug. 4, calls for the creation of migrant repatriation centers outside the European Union. The facilities would follow the model of Italy's agreement with Albania but would be financed through EU funds.

Most of the proposed centers would be located in Africa. However, Corriere della Sera reported that a preliminary list of potential host countries also includes Armenia, Uzbekistan and Montenegro, alongside Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda and Ethiopia.

The newspaper stressed that the list is preliminary. There has been no confirmation that any of the countries have agreed to host such facilities, and the European Union has not announced a formal decision.

The proposal comes as European governments push for tougher migration policies following renewed pressure at the bloc's external borders. Earlier, 22 EU member states sent a joint letter to EU leaders urging stronger border security measures and a more aggressive response to illegal migration.

The issue gained new urgency after a large-scale migrant surge at Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. Spanish authorities said tens of thousands of migrants attempted to cross into the territory within 24 hours, forcing Madrid to deploy additional police and military personnel to reinforce the border.

Spanish and Moroccan authorities said the mass movement was fueled by coordinated social media campaigns that circulated instructions and videos encouraging migrants to head to Ceuta.

The crisis has prompted calls for a tougher European response. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is considering suspending Schengen travel arrangements with Spain because of the situation in Ceuta, a position that has reportedly received support from Finland and Denmark.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Morocco to accept the return of migrants who entered Ceuta and urged Spain to regain control of the border. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also called for stronger action to prevent illegal border crossings.

If advanced, Italy's proposal would be another step in the EU's effort to process and return migrants outside its borders. Armenia's inclusion on the reported list is likely to draw attention given the country's growing ties with the European Union. As of publication, Armenian authorities had not publicly commented on the report.

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