Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands have agreed to establish migrant return hubs in third countries for rejected asylum seekers, aiming to start operations by the end of 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4]. These centers will be located outside the EU, with talks underway to finalize agreements with host countries during 2026 [2, 3, 4]. Denmark expects to be ready to send migrants to such hubs by late 2027 [1, 3].
The European Parliament approved migration reforms in June 2026 allowing member states to create return hubs beyond EU borders [2, 3, 4]. The five countries held a meeting in Copenhagen on September 4, 2026, announcing intent to sign agreements with third countries before the end of the year [1, 2, 3, 4]. They plan another meeting in Munich at the end of September to push the plans forward [2, 3, 4].
Possible host countries are mainly in Africa, with Rwanda confirmed to have begun preliminary talks with European governments [3]. Governments say the return centers will operate under European and international law and be monitored by agencies such as the IOM and UNHCR [1, 3].
Danish Minister Morten Bodskov called the plan "a fundamental transformation of the common European migration and asylum system" and rejected claims these hubs are detention camps. He said, "We are not talking about camps, we are talking about opportunities, for a new chance for irregular migrants who cannot return to their own country today and who have no legal grounds to be in our countries" [1, 3]. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, "We want to reach an agreement with third countries this year that will enable the establishment of return hubs" [3].
Human rights groups and organizations including the Council of Europe have criticized the plan, warning of serious rights risks for migrants in the hubs, implying they may function similarly to detention or deportation centers [1, 2, 4]. This has sparked debate over the true nature and safeguards of the centers [1, 2, 3, 4].
The five-nation group will meet again in Munich at the end of September 2026 to advance preparations and finalize agreements with potential host countries [2, 3, 4]. The target date to begin sending migrants to the return hubs is the end of 2027 [1, 3].
