(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, DEC 19 - Premier Giorgia Meloni on Thursday took part in a meeting of countries interested in "innovative" solutions to the issue of illegal migrant arrivals, such as Italy's agreement to set up migrant centres in Albania, on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels.
    "On the margins of the European Council, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, together with the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, and the Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, held another informal meeting this morning with some of the Member States that have the most interest in innovative solutions for the management of migration, and in particular the strengthening of the legal framework regarding returns," the Italian premier's office said in a statement.
    "In addition to Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and the European Commission, the meeting was also attended by the leaders of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Sweden.
    "European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the main areas of work indicated in the letter on migration dated 16 December, focusing on the proposal for a new legal framework for returns which the Commission plans to present in the first months of 2025.
    "In addition to supporting a swift presentation and finalisation of the new legislative proposal, President Meloni highlighted the importance of innovative solutions in countering irregular migration, especially to break the 'business model' of human traffickers and, at the same time, allow reception efforts by the European Union to be focused on those who have a genuine right to international protection.
    "The leaders' discussion focused on the need for an increasingly clear and effective European regulatory framework, in particular with a strengthening of the 'safe country of origin' and 'safe third country' concepts in order to support innovative solutions, starting with the Italy-Albania model and the possible creation of 'returns hubs' in third countries. There was also particular interest around the strengthening of Europe's actions along migration routes with the UNHCR and IOM regarding assisted voluntary returns.
    "The leaders present expressed their appreciation both for President von der Leyen's letter and for the operational focus of the Conclusions on migration to be approved by today's European Council meeting. They agreed to continue maintaining close coordination with the aim of strengthening the European Union's migration policy and making it more and more effective".
    (ANSA).