EU countries gathered to discuss innovative ways to increase deportations of irregular migrants and rejected asylum seekers, including proposals for dedicated return centers outside the bloc. The rise of far-right parties in several European countries has brought migration issues to the forefront of discussions among home affairs ministers from the 27 EU states. Suggestions to explore the feasibility of innovative solutions in returns, such as the concept of return hubs, were on the agenda.
The talks followed the recent adoption of a comprehensive reform of EU asylum policies, set to take effect in June 2026. Despite the reform, more than half of EU member countries believe it does not go far enough. Some countries have urged the European Commission to consider unconventional measures, like establishing centers outside the EU for rejected asylum seekers awaiting deportation.
The pressure to expedite deportations is mounting, with governments eager to demonstrate efforts to remove rejected migrants from the streets. Return hubs’ detailed operational plans are yet to be outlined, with suggestions including potentially involving EU membership candidates in hosting such centers. However, ethical and legal considerations pose significant challenges that may hinder the actual implementation of these ideas.
Deportations are known to be complex and costly, requiring cooperation from migrants’ home countries. Countries like Syria, Mali, and Afghanistan, from where a significant number of irregular migrants originate, present challenges due to strained relations with Brussels. Some EU nations have proposed legal changes to penalize rejected asylum applicants who do not comply with deportation orders, potentially leading to detentions.
Efforts to reform the return system and expedite deportations were emphasized by officials from Belgium and Germany, highlighting the need for partnerships with third countries to process asylum applications. However, finding partner states willing to cooperate on return hubs remains a significant practical challenge. Various agreements with countries like Albania, Tunisia, and Libya have faced scrutiny for potential mistreatment of migrants and have been contentious.
The push for political display in response to far-right pressures was noted by experts, attributing the focus on migration issues to the influence of hard-right parties across Europe. The decrease in irregular border crossings and asylum applications in 2024 compared to previous years was highlighted, reflecting the ongoing efforts to address migration challenges within the EU and neighboring countries.