European Union home affairs ministers are discussing external return centres in Luxembourg while Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands explore possible sites. Lawmakers identify Rwanda as a possible first partner, and Greece says it aims to open a centre in Africa next year. The proposals concern people without a right to remain; no signed joint agreement or operating common system has been announced.
European Union home affairs ministers are discussing the return of people without a right to remain at their Luxembourg meeting on 1 October. External return hubs are among the proposals. Such centres are envisaged as final destinations for people whose asylum applications have failed, or as transit locations before repatriation. Greece is seeking EU support while a group of five countries explores locations outside the bloc.[1], [2]
Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands are exploring centres. Green lawmakers Anna Strolenberg and Tineke Strik said after an African visit that officials in Rwanda and Uganda appeared open to the proposals. Strolenberg regarded Rwanda as the most likely first agreement. This is the lawmakers’ assessment; the five governments have not disclosed their negotiating partners.[1]
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said Athens aims to open a centre next year in an African country whose name he could not yet disclose. No signed joint agreement or operating common return-hub system had been announced.[1]
Supporters argue that external centres could facilitate returns and deter irregular migration. Critics question their effectiveness and raise concerns about legal uncertainty, inadequate oversight and access to protections for those held there. Ministers’ agenda includes closer cooperation with priority third countries. The meeting is considering these options alongside border policy, with the proposed centres still at the stage of talks and negotiations.[1]
