Greece calls for EU funding for offshore migration return centers

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou has called on the European Union to secure adequate resources to fund innovative solutions for the migration crisis. Specifically, he highlighted the need for funding to support offshore return centers for migrants who do not have the right to remain in the EU.

Chatzivasileiou suggested that the EU's next multi-annual budget, which is currently under negotiation, could provide a solution to these financial challenges. His comments come as Greece joins Austria, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands in an effort to accelerate plans for establishing these controversial offshore centers.

Under recent EU migration policy reforms approved in June, member states can enter bilateral agreements with third countries to host such centers. While EU nations are expected to fully fund these facilities and may offer additional incentives like trade partnerships, there is growing pressure for Brussels to cover a portion of the costs.