Five European countries announced that they are seeking to reach agreements this year with nations outside the European Union to establish centers intended to receive migrants who do not have legal residency in EU territory, in a new initiative to accelerate returns and reduce irregular immigration.
Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands, grouped under the so-called ''Group of Five'', announced on Friday concrete advances during a meeting held in Copenhagen and organized by the Danish government. The five countries stated that they are working to reach an agreement with at least one non-EU country that would allow the establishment of facilities to manage returns.
The German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, confirmed that the goal is to finalize an agreement by 2026 that would allow the creation of so-called ''return centers''. However, the involved governments did not reveal which countries could host these facilities nor provided details about potential locations.
A group of five European countries is seeking to finalize an agreement with third countries to create detention centers to house their deported immigrants
The initiative is part of the efforts of several European governments to tighten and make their immigration policy more efficient. The participating countries believe that expediting the return of people who do not have a legal right to remain in the EU can help reduce pressure on their asylum systems and strengthen border control.
The Group of Five has held several meetings this year to coordinate immigration policies and move towards common return mechanisms. The ministers agreed to continue discussions and reconvene at the end of September in Munich, Germany, with the aim of assessing progress and advancing towards concrete agreements with third countries.
The project is also being developed in parallel to a broader reform of the European Union's immigration rules. In June, the European Parliament approved a modification of the community policy aimed at accelerating deportation procedures and facilitating member states in establishing return centers outside EU territory.
The European Parliament approved the acceleration of new procedures for deporting immigrants outside the European Union
The reform seeks to address one of the main difficulties faced by European governments: the effective enforcement of departure orders against individuals whose residency or asylum applications have been rejected. Authorities argue that a faster and more organized return system can strengthen the credibility of immigration policies and deter new irregular entries.
The plan, however, has generated criticism from leftist organizations defending migrant rights, who warn that centers located outside the EU could reduce the guarantees available for asylum seekers and raise questions about the conditions of transferred individuals.
Despite the criticism, Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands remain committed to moving towards external agreements. The governments believe that cooperation with third countries can become an additional tool for managing returns and addressing the challenges arising from irregular immigration.
The Copenhagen meeting represents a new step towards a more coordinated European migration policy, with an emphasis on accelerating returns and establishing mechanisms that allow member states to enforce their immigration decisions.
Despite some complaints from leftist organizations defending the rights of illegal immigrants, European governments are moving forward in strengthening their immigration policies
