The European Union is making a strategic shift to address the ongoing mass migration crisis, a challenge that has been largely self-inflicted due to its previous policies. For years, the EU’s approach to unchecked migration has burdened member nations, but change is on the horizon as the political winds shift.
Increasing support for right-wing parties across Europe has pressured the Brussels establishment to take decisive action. In response, the EU has unveiled plans to increase deportations and establish ‘return hubs’ outside the continent where failed asylum seekers will be sent.
This initiative bears similarity to the UK’s previous plan to relocate failed asylum seekers to Rwanda and Italy’s ongoing strategy of transferring them to Albania.
The Associated Press notes:
“Only 20% of people with a deportation order are effectively removed from EU territory, according to the European Commission, which presented the ‘European System for Returns’ in Strasbourg as a potential solution.”
It’s noteworthy how the EU has rebranded ‘deportation’ as ‘return,’ transforming the narrative into one of practical common sense instead of a controversial far-right approach.
Under this plan, all 27 EU member states will enforce deportation orders issued by any country within the bloc.
“‘The European system needs to be clear that when someone is issued a return decision they are being told to leave, not just the country but the entire European Union’, said Magnus Brunner, the EU’s commissioner for migration, who called the current 20% removal rate unacceptable.”
According to Brunner, these ‘return hubs’—essentially deportation centers—will apply only to those whose asylum requests have been rejected, excluding unaccompanied minors. He emphasized that any future agreements must uphold international law and human rights standards.
This initiative contrasts with Italy’s current, albeit ineffective, agreement with Albania to offshore asylum processing for migrants rescued at sea. While initially praised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as an innovative solution, the plan has faced legal challenges in Italy.
The European Commission describes the proposal as ‘tougher but fair,’ encouraging self-deportation among migrants before forced removal becomes necessary.
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