EU ministers approve framework for return hubs beyond bloc
The regulation permits hubs for people who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. Greece’s proposal to suspend asylum applications during emergencies remains under discussion.
EU interior ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a regulation allowing member states to establish return hubs outside the bloc for people legally required to leave the EU who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. No host country or agreement to establish a hub was identified, and discussions remain preliminary.
Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands have explored options. The Netherlands’ migration minister said a technical mission visited a potential host country in early September. Germany’s interior minister said a first deal might be reached by year-end, but further work was needed to address possible legal challenges.
The policy is intended to facilitate returns, while critics question its legality and say it could breach migrants’ fundamental rights. The ministers also discussed stronger border controls and plans for a Frontex rapid intervention force.
Greece proposed temporarily suspending asylum applications during emergencies, arguing current rules are inadequate for mass arrivals. The proposal has not been adopted; the EU Charter guarantees the right to seek asylum, and its legal compatibility remains unresolved.
The debate follows large arrivals in Ceuta in late July. Spain estimated that more than 72,000 people entered the enclave, with about 10,000 still there at the time of reporting. The European Commission president has said the Commission would propose an emergency tool to help countries respond to mass migration movements.
