The EU's New Strategy for Illegal Migrants
The European Union is on the verge of implementing a significant shift in its approach to handling illegal migration, particularly for rejected asylum seekers. Recent discussions have focused on establishing return centers in Africa, with a pivotal meeting scheduled for Friday that aims to finalize this crucial step. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has long advocated for these centers, asserting that they would demonstrate Europe’s ability to manage illegal migration effectively. However, after nearly two years of effort and an investment of €670 million, only 83 deportations have been executed from the facilities in Albania, raising concerns about their efficacy.
As reported by multiple sources, including _Welt_, a European diplomat has remarked that while Meloni requires these centers for political reasons, their functionality remains questionable. Despite this skepticism, the European bloc is moving forward with plans that could reshape its migration policies significantly.
Upcoming Meeting and Future Plans
This Friday, September 5, 2026, the interior ministers from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece will convene in Copenhagen with the objective of establishing return centers in Africa while avoiding the pitfalls experienced by Italy. The aim is to finalize a partner country by the end of this year, with operations projected to commence in 2027. Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has emphasized the need for Europe to regain control over its migration policies, stating, "We want to be masters in our own house again."
Potential locations for these return centers include Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has confirmed that negotiations are underway, indicating that discussions have progressed significantly. A critical aspect of this new initiative is a revised EU legal framework that permits deportations to third countries without prior arrangements for the individuals involved. Under this framework, rejected asylum seekers would be registered in secure facilities, making it more challenging for them to disappear.
However, fundamental issues persist. The proposed host countries do not meet European democratic standards. Uganda, for instance, scored only 33 out of 100 on the Freedom House scale, categorizing it as “not free.” Similarly, Rwanda has been labeled as “not free” as per the latest Freedom House report. The EU's regulations explicitly require that host nations adhere to international human rights standards, raising concerns about how compliance will be monitored in practice.
Migration expert Judith Kohlenberger has expressed doubts regarding the anticipated deterrent effect of these plans, cautioning that they could lead to a reliance on third countries. This risk is underscored by the situation in Albania, where Tirana has indicated it may not renew its agreement with Italy after its expiration in 2028. Meanwhile, Berlin’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt remains tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations, particularly as the coalition partner SPD has largely opposed the establishment of deportation centers in the EU Parliament. The implications of the Copenhagen meeting on the stability of the Berlin coalition will be a critical issue to watch in the coming days. As reported by merkur.de.
