Five EU countries will send illegal migrants to deportation centers by 2027

2 hours ago

Five European Union countries are preparing to send undocumented migrants to deportation centers to be established outside the union's territory by 2027. This was announced on September 4 following a meeting in Copenhagen, which was attended by the ministers of internal affairs of Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece.

The ministers agreed on a model of "return centers." These facilities are intended for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected and who cannot be returned to their home countries.

Currently, the five countries are negotiating to establish such centers in one or more partner countries. The specific countries have not been disclosed. However, according to media reports, Uganda and Rwanda are being considered as the most likely options.

"The guidelines adopted today will serve as the basis for further actions. Our goal is to be ready to send the first batch of illegal migrants to a partner country outside the EU by 2027," said Danish Migration Minister Morten Bødskov.

He stated that such centers are not prisons or camps. According to him, in these places, partner countries will provide illegal migrants with new opportunities.

It is planned that the five countries will fully fund these centers. They may also allocate additional funds to partners, conclude commercial deals, or offer other benefits.

"The return centers system will be established on the basis of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with non-EU countries," the guideline states.

The new model is expected to significantly reduce the number of illegal migrants entering the EU.

"Our common goal is to reduce illegal migration to zero," said Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

At the same time, meetings with potential partners are ongoing. Discussions are becoming increasingly deeper and more productive, said Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris. He expressed hope that an agreement would be announced soon.

The five ministers plan to meet again in Munich at the end of September. Agreements concluded with non-EU countries will define the rules for migrants in the centers, their living conditions, and the obligations of the EU countries.

The ministers emphasized that the project will be implemented in cooperation with international organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. The project fully complies with EU law and international obligations.