EU approves regulation on migrant return centres outside the bloc — Deutsche Welle

Interior ministers of EU countries at a meeting in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, approved new regulations to intensify the deportation of irregular migrants. As Deutsche Welle reports, they will allow member states to establish so-called return centres outside the European Union for people who are legally required to leave the bloc but cannot be returned to their countries of origin.

Return centres outside the EU

Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands are exploring the possibility of establishing such centres. Danish Interior Minister Morten Bødskov said work on the idea is progressing. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reported preliminary talks but did not specify which countries are taking part.

According to Dobrindt, further work is needed to ensure that future arrangements can withstand potential legal challenges. He expressed hope that the first agreement could be concluded by the end of the year. Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said that a technical mission had already visited a potential host country for such a centre in early September.

Supporters of the initiative believe that the centres could facilitate repatriation and deter potential irregular migrants. Critics, meanwhile, question the legality of such mechanisms and cite possible violations of migrants' fundamental rights.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Greece's asylum proposal

Greece also proposed temporarily suspending the filing of asylum applications in emergency situations. Athens believes that the current rules are not adapted to mass arrivals of migrants, similar to the situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa.

According to the Spanish government, more than 72,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta at the end of July. Most of them later returned, but around 10,000 remained. European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said Europe needs tools to protect its borders under any circumstances, while stressing the need to uphold fundamental rights and values.

Other plans being discussed in the EU include strengthening the Frontex border agency. In particular, there are proposals to create a rapid reaction force within it to intervene during border crises.