The European Union is paving the way for migrant return centers outside its borders

The member states of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached an agreement to strengthen the rules on the return of irregular migrants. This text includes several measures designed to expedite deportations and notably opens the possibility for countries that wish to do so to create return centers located outside European territory.

The agreement thus authorizes the establishment of facilities in third countries to transfer rejected asylum seekers before their return to their country of origin. Several states, including Germany, Austria, and Denmark, are already studying various options for hosting these centers.

Stricter measures for deportees

The text also provides for stricter sanctions against migrants who refuse to leave European territory. Authorities will be able to extend certain detention periods and lengthen bans on returning to the European Union, which could reach ten years, or even twenty years in some cases.

This marks a new turning point in European migration policy. Its proponents believe it will improve the enforcement of deportation orders, given that only about one in five deportations is currently carried out. Conversely, several left-wing politicians and human rights organizations denounce this hardening of policy, deeming it contrary to fundamental principles of international law and the protection of migrants.