Five European countries push to accelerate migrant returns through centers outside the EU

Saturday 05 September 2026 - 09:16

By: Azzat Manal

Five European countries push to accelerate migrant returns through centers outside the EU

Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark and the Netherlands are stepping up efforts to establish return centers outside the European Union as part of a broader push to strengthen the bloc’s response to irregular migration.

The five countries, which cooperate under the so-called “Group of Five”, agreed during a meeting in Copenhagen to pursue practical measures aimed at reaching an agreement with a non-EU country before the end of the year. The proposed arrangement would allow migrants residing illegally in Europe to be transferred to designated return centers located outside the bloc.

The governments have not yet identified potential host countries. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, however, that the group wants to make tangible progress on the initiative in the coming months. The five countries are expected to continue discussions at a meeting scheduled to take place in Munich later this month.

The initiative comes as European countries seek to tighten migration controls and make deportation procedures more efficient. The European Parliament’s recent reforms to the bloc’s migration framework have opened the door to the creation of return facilities beyond EU territory, giving member states additional options for handling people whose applications or residence rights have been rejected.

The proposal has nevertheless generated strong criticism from human rights organizations and non-governmental groups. Critics have raised concerns about the protection of migrants and asylum seekers transferred to countries outside the EU, particularly regarding access to legal safeguards and protection from potential human rights violations.

The Council of Europe has also warned about the potential human rights implications of establishing return centers outside the EU, highlighting what it described as significant risks. Other rights organizations have similarly called for greater safeguards and closer scrutiny of the plans.

Denmark has emerged as one of the strongest supporters of the initiative. Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov said Copenhagen hopes to be in a position to send migrants to a return center by the end of 2027. He presented the scheme as a potential opportunity for migrants to rebuild their lives in a partner country, while emphasizing continued consultations with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations refugee agency.

The project reflects a growing debate within Europe over how to manage irregular migration, balance faster returns with asylum protections, and determine the responsibilities of countries involved in processing and receiving migrants. Its implementation is likely to face political, legal and human rights challenges as negotiations with potential partner countries move forward.