The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will phase out its bilateral development programmes in Bangladesh, Albania and Zambia by the end of 2028. This decision was based on the actual needs on the ground,

Italy's attempt to house migrants in non-EU member state Albania while Rome processes their asylum applications has already failed twice. Will things work out for Giorgia Meloni's government this time round?

Switzerland has decided to gradually end its bilateral development cooperation with Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia by 2028. This decision was announced in a media statement from Switzerland's Federal Council on Wednesday. The statement outlined how the Swiss Parliament's decision to reduce international development cooperation will be implemented.

Switzerland’s commitment to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding efforts, and support for Ukraine will remain unaffected by the cuts.

This decision comes after the parliament allocated less funding for foreign aid in December than the government had requested.

Italian Navy patrol vessel Cassiopea early on Tuesday reached the Albanian port of Shengjin with 49 migrants rescued over the weekend in international waters south of the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.

Italian authorities have rejected the asylum requests of 43 asylum-seekers transferred to Albania in a speedy procedure that a non-governmental delegation observing the process said illegally deprived them of legal assistance.

Remaining 44 migrants being held at Albania’s Gjader facility, where their asylum applications to be processed - Anadolu Ajansı

Italy's attempt to house migrants in non-EU member state Albania while it processes their asylum applications has already failed twice. Despite two failed attempts last October and November, the Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is still determined to process migrant asylum applications in Albania,

An Italian navy ship has arrived in Albania with 49 migrants intercepted in international waters for processing of their asylum applications at special Albanian centers

The Swiss government is ending its development aid programmes for Zambia, Albania and Bangladesh. This decision comes after the parliament allocated less funding for foreign aid in December than the government had requested.

These reductions will affect bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations