Nineteen of the European Union’s 27 leaders have called for the creation of return centres outside the bloc, arguing that Europe must move more quickly to return migrants who have no legal right to remain.
President Nikos Christodoulides is among the signatories of the letter, which was addressed to the European Council and the heads of EU institutions. The initiative was led by Italy and Denmark and is intended to feed into the wider discussion on migration ahead of talks among EU leaders.
The letter comes alongside a separate communication sent on Wednesday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as the debate in Brussels increasingly turns to what member states describe as “innovative solutions” on migration.
Return hubs in third countries
The leaders argue that Europe must challenge the current approach, saying decisions on who may enter and remain in EU countries should remain a democratic responsibility of states.
They also link the issue to the role of people-smuggling networks, arguing that irregular migration is being exploited for profit and, in some cases, used as a political tool.
“Now is the time to act and achieve real results,” the letter says, calling on willing member states to pursue arrangements with potential partner countries. It also urges the European Commission to continue supporting such efforts, including through funding, and calls for the involvement of the UN Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration and other relevant bodies.
The letter was signed by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden. The coordination was handled by the leaders’ diplomatic advisers, known as sherpas, without a prior meeting of the 19 leaders.
Italy-Albania model in focus
The signatories point to the Italy-Albania arrangement as an example of initiatives already under way, while noting that other countries are working on similar options, including hubs in third countries.
They say such models should operate in line with EU law and international conventions and in close cooperation with the third countries involved.
According to the letter, the aim is to weaken the business model of smuggling networks, reduce incentives for irregular migration to Europe and ensure that people without a legal right to remain are returned more effectively.
The leaders also acknowledge recent progress under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, noting that further milestones have been reached this month on key pieces of migration legislation.
They argue, however, that legislative progress must now be followed by visible results.
“Together, we have redefined the European migration debate,” the letter says, adding that there is now broad agreement on the need for a migration policy that is both “firm and fair”, protects vulnerable people and safeguards social cohesion.
The 19 leaders say the EU must make full use of the new possibilities being created and be ready to address any remaining obstacles. They also pledge to take personal responsibility for ensuring that the proposals move from political discussion to implementation.
Source: CNA
