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Greece Plans Return Centers for Migrants, Following Italy's Lead by 2027

Athens is gearing up to join Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands in establishing 'return hubs' outside the European Union. The Greek government claims to have identified an African country for this initiative, though its name remains undisclosed. Rwanda and Uganda are among the speculated options.

Greece Plans Return Centers for Migrants, Following Italy's Lead by 2027

Greece is aiming to join the group of European countries working on setting up migrant return centers in Africa. This initiative, projected for 2027, would see Athens collaborating with Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands to establish 'return hubs' outside EU territory.

The announcement came from Greece's Migration Minister, Thanos Plevris, during an appearance on Ant1. According to Plevris, Greece has already pinpointed an African nation to partner with, but the name is currently confidential. Rwanda and Uganda have been mentioned in discussions, though no official confirmation has been given.

Plevris aims to have the project well underway by the second half of 2027, coinciding with Greece's EU presidency. The proposed model differs from Italy's approach with centers in Albania, focusing on involving non-EU countries in managing individuals subject to deportation orders. Operational methods, legal guarantees, and compliance with European and international laws are crucial in forming any agreements.

Plevris also mentioned upcoming talks with representatives from the other four governments involved and the Director General of the International Organization for Migration to delve into the initiative's specifics.

The return policy is part of a broader strategy that Greece intends to present at the EU's Home Affairs Council on October 1st, proposing extraordinary measures for handling exceptional migration crises.

The minister highlighted situations marked by mass arrivals and what some governments describe as potential 'instrumentalization' of migration flows. In such cases, Plevris advocates for much faster procedures, including immediate deportation orders.

This stance is likely to fuel European debate, particularly concerning asylum rights and protections for those reaching EU borders. The discussion around centers in third countries is tied not only to the effectiveness of return policies but also to the legal safeguards required by European and international law for assessing protection claims.

(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved