Representatives from Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands visited Rwanda to discuss the establishment of transit centers for rejected asylum seekers from the European Union. These countries plan to establish return hubs outside the EU by the end of the year, based on legislation approved by the European Parliament in June, according to Euractiv.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that the visit took place and that negotiations are ongoing. Among the locations under consideration is the existing Gashora transit center, which has served migrants stranded in Libya since 2019.

The plan, however, has sparked mixed reactions. Non-governmental organizations have expressed concern, while countries such as France and Spain reject the plan, arguing that return centers are ineffective and contrary to the Union's values.

The United Kingdom had also prepared a similar, controversial project in the past. After Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office in 2024, however, the agreement was canceled following a court ruling that it was unlawful.

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