EU greenlights controversial return hubs in 'strictest-ever' new migration law

The EU countries and European Parliament on Monday agreed on a controversial law aimed at speeding up the return of migrants with no legal right to stay in Europe, marking the bloc's toughest migration policy shift in decades.

Policymakers say the so-called Return Regulation is key to accelerating returns and is the cornerstone of the EU's crackdown on irregular migration.

It also reflects a broader political shift in Europe, with conservatives — sometimes backed by the far right — pushing for a tougher approach to migration.

According to official figures, only 29% of migrants with no legal right to remain in Europe leave the EU.

"This is a really very important step in making sure that we have control over what is happening in the EU, over who comes but also who has to leave the EU," Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner told reporters at the end of the talks.

At the heart of the law is a provision allowing EU countries to set up deportation centres outside the bloc, known as return hubs, if they conclude an agreement with a non-EU country.

"The next step is working more on migration diplomacy, together with third countries," Brunner said, avoiding mentioning any possible third country to place return hubs.

The hubs can be either places of transit or locations where a person is expected to stay, marking a significant departure from current rules.

Most migrants can only be returned to their country of origin or to a country with which they have a proven connection. Under the new system, that requirement would be removed. Only unaccompanied minors would be exempt from being deported to a return hub, while families with children will be eligible.

Some EU countries are already working to identify potential partner countries for future return centres. Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Greece teamed up last March to implement the controversial project, while Italy is already running a similar scheme in Albania, with two centres accommodating fewer than a hundred migrants in total.