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Return centers only for rejected asylum seekers

by AI | 13.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

In return centers outside the EU for asylum seekers, only rejected asylum seekers may be accommodated. Asylum seekers must not be sent there to await a decision on their asylum application. This model of ‘return hubs’ is therefore completely different from that of Italy in Albania, said European Commissioner Magnus Brunner (Migration) on Tuesday during a press conference.

European Commissioner Magnus Brunner (Migration) (Photo: APA/Roland Schlager)

STRASBOURG (ANP) – There he explained the European Commission’s plans to improve and speed up the return of rejected asylum seekers. The establishment of return centers is part of this. The Netherlands is a strong proponent of return hubs.

Italy sends asylum seekers to Albania where they must await a decision on their asylum application. Several times, Italian judges have prohibited this and Italy had to take back the asylum seekers.

Member states that want to establish a return hub must reach an agreement with safe third countries on the reception of rejected asylum seekers. International laws and fundamental rights must be observed in those centers, said Brunner.

The European Commission decides based on the agreement between a member state and a non-EU country whether the return center may be established. Compliance with international laws and rights will be monitored, said the European Commissioner.

The European Commissioner cannot imagine that with these guarantees there is not a majority in the European Parliament for the establishment of return centers. “I see no reason to oppose this,” said Brunner.

At least three groups in the center and left political center of the European Parliament are opposed, they indicated on Tuesday. These are the Social Democrats, the liberal group Renew, and the Greens.

The EU member states must also agree to the proposal.

(March 11, 2025)