A group of EU countries is preparing to explore the creation of return hubs for rejected asylum seekers, alongside other “innovative solutions” to migration management. The idea, which combines practical measures with a deterrent effect, is sparking debate about the future of European migration.
Last week, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria held technical-level talks, signalling their readiness to move forward. The idea of return hubs is foreseen in the New Pact on Asylum and Migration and would involve establishing facilities in third countries for migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected in the European Union.
“Now that we have the legal framework almost in place, we are able to begin more operational cooperation,” an EU official told EU Perspectives.
“We are no longer speaking theoretically, we are speaking practically,” Thanos Plevris, Greece’s Migration Minister, confirmed.
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Greece takes the lead
The return hubs proposal, which has been circulating in Brussels since it was first raised, was put forward by Mr Plevris, who outlined more concrete plans last week.
According to the Greek minister, Africa is among the preferred locations under consideration, although no final decision has been taken.
The hubs would host individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected and whose countries of origin refuse to readmit them.
“Their existence would act as a deterrent to prospective migrants who are unlikely to be granted asylum,” Plevris said. “The government is now focusing on returning those whose asylum applications have been rejected, because the current return rate is insufficient.”
Testing new approaches
Several EU leaders and member states see a need for “new and innovative solutions — solutions that must be serious and perceived as win-win,” the EU official said.
Such approaches could form part of a broader “toolbox”, including financial and educational partnerships with third countries. The return hubs, in this context, would initially be developed as pilot projects in order to “gain experience on both sides”.
“It’s not about simply transferring people and letting them languish,” the official stressed. “The idea is to ensure that people stay under conditions equivalent to European standards.”
A wider migration push
Africa could emerge as a testing ground. “I know that some countries have already visited partners in Central Africa,” the official said. However, he added that “it is not written anywhere” that the hubs must be located on the African continent.
The initiative is also part of a broader wave of migration-related cooperation. Greece has scheduled a meeting in Rome with Spain, Italy and the Pakistani government to discuss counter-smuggling efforts and migration management.
“The work mentioned by the Greek minister is one such group, but I know for a fact there are several,” the EU official concluded.
