The discussion paper explores the Italy-Albania migration deal as part of the broader trend of migration externalisation in Europe. Through the lens of migration governance, it examines the political, legal, and human rights implications of outsourcing asylum processing to non-EU countries. The paper analyses how the agreement fits within Italy’s migration policy, its impact on Albania’s EU accession process, and the risks it poses to refugee rights, accountability, and international legal obligations. Ultimately, it questions whether such deals represent a sustainable migration strategy or a dangerous precedent for human rights protection in Europe.