European Union Agrees on Return Centres Scheme for Asylum Seekers
The agreement proposed by the European Commission for 2025 comes amid the rising popularity of right-wing parties across the European Union, which are pushing for stricter policies regarding illegal migration. The German news agency DPA reported that the deal has received support from right-wing parties in the European Parliament, which is considered unusual.
Although the number of migrants entering the EU illegally fell by 26% in 2025, reaching its lowest level since 2021, the EU has proceeded with these rules. According to EU officials, the primary issue remains the low deportation implementation rate, which currently stands below 30%. For the legislation to take effect, it still requires formal approval from EU member state governments and the European Parliament.
Under the provisional agreement, asylum seekers whose applications are rejected and who cannot be returned to their home countries may be placed in ‘return centres’, the locations of which have not yet been announced. The agreement will apply when a country of origin refuses to accept its citizens back, or when an EU member state conducting a deportation lacks diplomatic relations with the asylum seeker’s home country.
The rules mandate that rejected asylum seekers must cooperate with authorities. Those who fail to comply may be detained pending deportation and could face the revocation of social benefits and the seizure of travel documents. The new plan also allows authorities to detain migrants deemed a flight risk or a threat to national security, with detention periods lasting up to 24 months, extendable by an additional six months, according to DPA reports.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner welcomed the agreement, stating it is evidence that ‘we are bringing order to Europe,’ adding, ‘With these new rules, we have more control over who can enter the EU, who can stay, and who must leave.’ The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group also welcomed the deal, declaring, ‘The era of returns has begun.’
Germany and Austria, which had been considering establishing independent return centres, have been working to promote this controversial agreement alongside Greece, the Netherlands, and Denmark. While Italy has signed an agreement with Albania to house asylum seekers, the policy faces legal challenges in court, whereas Spain and France have expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of similar models.
Human rights groups have warned that this policy could expand government powers to detain and deport migrants, potentially leading to increased immigration raids. Marta Welander from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the policy risks normalising immigration raids and expanding migrant detention in prison-like facilities outside the EU, increasing the risk of deportation to countries where individuals may face persecution or torture.
Furthermore, Melissa Camara, a Member of the European Parliament for the French Green Party, criticised the legal framework, suggesting it provides the tools to execute xenophobic policies, including the potential for detaining minors and conducting home raids.