The Court of Justice of the European Union was asked to weigh in on whether Italy's accelerated asylum process — used to swiftly return migrants from countries not experiencing war or major crises — complies with EU law.

While ruling Italy's plan to fast-track migrant deportations is legal, the European Court of Justice set out some limits. Those include disclosing sources for their assessment of a country being considered "safe.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized Friday's European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on the classification of safe countries of origin. She said the decision further restricted the already limited room for manoeuvre of governments.