The European Parliament on Wednesday gave its final approval to the creation of "return centers" outside the European Union, a key measure in a reform aimed at accelerating the deportation of irregular migrants. The text was adopted in Strasbourg by 418 votes to 218, with 30 abstentions.
The reform allows member states that wish to do so to conclude agreements with third countries to establish facilities there to accommodate rejected asylum seekers before their return to their country of origin. These centers, sometimes referred to as "return hubs," constitute one of the most controversial aspects of the tightening of European migration policy.
Several countries have already positioned themselves. Greece hopes to have its first center of this type as early as 2027, while Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark are also exploring this possibility.
Supporters of the bill highlight the current system's low effectiveness. Within the European Union, only about 20% of deportation orders are actually carried out. "Today, Europe has responded," declared Dutch MEP Malik Azmani, the bill's rapporteur. French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad hailed it as a "major step forward" in strengthening control over migration flows.
The adoption of the regulation, however, sparked heated debate in the chamber. Far-right members applauded the vote, chanting "Send them back!", while left-wing MPs responded with "Shame on you!" Opponents denounced the outsourcing of European migration management and warned of the risk of fundamental rights violations in centers located outside the EU.
This reform comes just days after the entry into force of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. It confirms the willingness of a majority of member states to strengthen return policies, even though previous measures implemented by the United Kingdom in Rwanda and by Italy in Albania have so far encountered significant legal and operational obstacles.
