Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece are moving forward with plans for return centers outside the EU. They hope to reach an agreement with a third country by early next year. The centers would host rejected asylum seekers who cannot return to their home countries.
No partner country was named, but Uganda and Rwanda are possible destinations. Rwanda confirmed in August it had begun preliminary talks with several European states. Denmark previously negotiated with Kigali but abandoned that for a European solution. The five countries say the model would make the migration system more “humane.”
The centers will not be “camps,” the Danish minister said, calling them a new chance for migrants in irregular situations. Greece’s migration minister said advanced talks have taken place with non-EU countries. The European Parliament approved a regulation in June allowing such agreements.
But human rights groups are concerned. The Council of Europe has sent letters with recommendations to the five states. The regulation did not get unanimous support. France’s president called it ineffective and not in line with European values. A Green MEP said the meeting marks another step away from EU values.
The Danish Refugee Council noted that previous attempts at return centers have failed, proving costly and bogged down in legal obstacles. The UK abandoned a similar scheme. Italy’s centers in Albania have faced legal challenges and slow progress.
Reference
Le Monde, “Cinq pays européens s’entendent sur la mise en place de ‘hubs de retour’ pour demandeurs d’asile déboutés,” published September 4, 2026. https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/09/04/cinq-pays-europeens-s-entendent-sur-la-mise-en-place-de-hubs-de-retour-pour-demandeurs-d-asile-deboutes_6765761_3211.html