Authorities from Austria, Germany, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands agreed in Copenhagen to establish an external migration detention model for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected by European Union nations, according to the Associated Press. Danish Minister for Migration and Integration Morten Bødskov stated that the plan paves the way for a fundamental transformation of the common European asylum system.
Copenhagen Agreement Details and Open Return Facilities
According to the Associated Press, the five participating nations held a meeting in Copenhagen to coordinate the new migration framework. Ministers stressed that these external facilities will operate as open return centers rather than traditional prisons. Rejected asylum seekers will live and work in the facilities while awaiting further processing or relocation. Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner noted that the initiative aims to dismantle the business models used by human smuggling networks while reducing dangerous migration routes into Europe.
“When we talk about the return centers, we don’t mean prisons,” Bødskov said, according to the Associated Press. “Returned migrants from Europe must get a second chance and build their lives in the receiving country.” Bødskov added that the first centers could begin accepting individuals as early as 2027.
Target Demographics and African Partner Negotiations
The proposed centers are primarily targeted at individuals whose asylum applications have been denied within the European Union and who cannot be directly deported to their countries of origin. Parallel discussions are underway regarding separate facilities outside the EU where migrants would wait while their initial asylum applications are processed. According to the Associated Press, negotiations are currently focused on African countries, with nations such as Uganda and Rwanda mentioned as potential hosts. However, officials have not yet confirmed which specific countries have agreed to the terms, nor have they clarified what incentives or compensation host nations will receive.
Did you know? In June, European lawmakers formally authorized EU member states to independently or in small coalitions establish external migration centers outside of Europe for individuals denied asylum within the bloc.
Legal Warnings and International Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns regarding the externalization plans. According to the Associated Press, organizations such as Amnesty International warned that transferring asylum procedures and returns to third countries carries significant risks of unlawful detention, torture, ill-treatment, and deportations that violate international law. Amnesty International stated that relying strictly on deterrence and repression fails to provide a sustainable solution.
Institutional skepticism is also present within the EU hierarchy. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner warned that strict red lines and rules must govern human rights and operational standards. Meanwhile, member states remain divided on the approach. France has adopted a critical stance against the return centers, and broader international precedents face obstacles. The United Kingdom abandoned its proposed Rwanda deportation model after the Labour Party came to power in 2024, and Italy encountered severe legal hurdles when attempting to process sea arrivals in Albania.
Broader European Support and Shifting Asylum Policies
Despite opposition from human rights groups and select member states, the broader push for external migration management retains substantial backing. According to the Associated Press, 19 of the 27 EU member states—including Austria—signed a joint call in June urging closer cooperation with third countries on asylum processing and returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who agreed to establish external migration centers?
Authorities from Austria, Germany, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands agreed on the model during a meeting in Copenhagen, according to the Associated Press.
When could the first external return centers open?
Danish Minister Morten Bødskov stated that the first centers could potentially accept rejected asylum seekers from the EU as early as 2027, according to the Associated Press.
Which countries are being considered to host the centers?
Negotiations are ongoing with African nations, with Uganda and Rwanda mentioned as potential locations, though no host country has officially confirmed a final agreement.
What are the primary criticisms of the plan?
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, warn that the model risks unlawful detention, mistreatment, and violations of international asylum law.
Ако искате да подкрепите независимата и качествена журналистика в “Сега”, можете да направите дарение през PayPal