STRASBOURG, France — As part of a new approach to manage migration, the European Union has put forward a plan to increase the rate of deportations and establish “return hubs” in third countries for people whose asylum applications have been denied. This initiative, termed the “European System for Returns,” was revealed in Strasbourg on Tuesday with the aim to streamline the deportation procedures across all 27 EU member nations.
Currently, only 20% of individuals with a deportation order are actually removed from EU territory, a statistic deemed as insufficient by the European Commission. The newly proposed system seeks to create an overarching standard allowing any EU country to enforce a deportation order initially issued by another country within the union. This measure was notably absent in last year’s migration and asylum pact approved by the bloc.
Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner emphasized the pressing need for clear communication: “When someone receives a return decision, it means leaving not just the nation, but the entirety of the European Union.” While he acknowledged that any improvement on the current 20% deportation rate would be beneficial, he avoided setting specific numerical targets.
For these return strategies to be effective, the cooperation of individuals’ home countries in accepting their return is necessary. Brunner admitted that the EU and its member states are still enhancing these cooperative efforts. The concept of “return hubs,” though effectively deportation centers, applies only to those whose asylum petitions have been dismissed, with special considerations in place to exclude unaccompanied minors. Brunner assured that any future arrangements would adhere to international laws and human rights standards.
Although the EU would provide the legal framework for countries to negotiate with non-EU nations willing to accept rejected asylum-seekers, it would not establish or manage these centers itself. This approach deviates from the existing, albeit largely unsuccessful, agreement Italy has with Albania regarding the offshore processing of migrants rescued at sea—a deal that has repeatedly faced legal challenges in Italy despite initial praise by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Brunner underscored the significance of “innovative” solutions to tackle irregular migration and asylum issues, which have been instrumental for the far-right’s political gains across Europe. While the proposal for “return hubs” is its highlight, it also includes provisions for stricter penalties for evading deportations and extends detention times for rejected asylum-seekers posing potential security threats from 18 months to 24 months. The commission, however, did not yet provide specific data on individuals deemed “security risks.”
Alongside Brunner, European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen presented the reform, describing it as both more stringent and equitable, designed to encourage voluntary departures before enforcement becomes necessary. However, the proposed plan has drawn criticism from migrant rights groups who argue it could undermine asylum rights and result in increased detentions.
Silvia Carta from the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants expressed concerns, predicting a rise in detentions and family separations, along with individuals being returned to unfamiliar countries. The proposal will now proceed to the European Parliament and member states for their consideration and approval.
