First EU Return Centers Could Open Outside Bloc by 2027

Several European Union member states are considering setting up centers for rejected asylum seekers outside the bloc, with the first agreements possible in 2026 and operations beginning in 2027, Politico reported.

Rwanda and Uzbekistan are among the most frequently mentioned possible locations, while talks are also underway over Uganda, according to the report. Countries near the EU’s borders, such as Egypt and Libya, are not being considered.

The proposal follows new EU legislation that allows for the establishment of so-called return centers in third countries, provided that human rights and international law are respected.

Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands are among the strongest supporters of the plan.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the first agreements could be reached in 2026, with the centers beginning operations in 2027.

The UN, France, Spain and Greens in the European Parliament have expressed reservations about the project. They argue that there are insufficient guarantees that people placed in the centers would be protected from abuse.

(mja)