EU Parliament Approves Controversial Return Hubs for Migrants

The European Parliament voted 418‑218 (with 30 abstentions) to adopt a new regulation that permits EU member states to establish "return hubs" in third countries and to accelerate deportations of rejected asylum seekers. The law allows for offshore detention centres, detention of up to two years, and the possibility to deport families and minors under specific conditions.

Human‑rights groups, including Amnesty International and UN experts, have condemned the reform as discriminatory and contrary to international standards. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly opposed the hubs, questioning their effectiveness and compatibility with European values.

A coalition of 19 EU governments – among them Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy and the Netherlands – signed a letter urging the European Commission to financially support the hubs and to coordinate their implementation. The measure, promoted by right‑wing and conservative MEPs, triggered sharp protests in the plenary, with left‑wing members denouncing the policy as a breach of fundamental rights.