Progress in talks to create centers for relocating migrants outside the EU
The Danish interior minister said that work on a project to establish repatriation centers outside the European Union is proceeding at a “very good pace,” as interior ministers of the bloc gather in Luxembourg to discuss ways to strengthen deportation procedures. Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands are considering options for setting up repatriation centers outside the EU. Danish Interior Minister Morten Bødskov told reporters upon his arrival at the meeting, following talks with his counterparts from the other four countries developing the idea: “Regarding the repatriation centers, things are moving at a very good pace.” He added, “We are heading in the right direction,” without providing further details. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, for his part, referred to “preliminary” talks but declined to name the participating countries, stressing that more efforts are needed to ensure that any such agreement would be insulated from legal challenges. Dobrindt stated, “These agreements would be long-lasting,” expressing hope of reaching a preliminary agreement by the end of the year. The Luxembourg meeting took place amid growing popularity of far-right parties in Europe. The talks also focused on “enhancing cooperation” with non-EU countries that are given “priority” for the return of migrants who are not entitled to remain in Europe. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the focus is on Pakistan and Bangladesh, which serve as departure points for migration to Europe. Supporters of these centers, which could serve either as final destinations for deportees or as transit points, argue that the project would facilitate return procedures and deter those seeking irregular migration. Opponents, however, question its effectiveness, citing previous similar projects that encountered obstacles, and liken these centers to “legal black holes” that could leave migrants in a state of limbo amid almost complete lack of oversight.
