Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer are calling for a swift EU decision on asylum reception centres outside Europe. The two conservative politicians said after their meeting in Vienna that a renewed decision should be possible as early as March.
The so-called 'return hubs' are to house immigrants while their asylum applications are being processed, or where rejected asylum seekers from EU countries can be sent back. Italian Prime Minister Meloni started this a few months ago in Albania, but it was overturned by Italian judges.
Kristersson and Nehammer argued that only 20 percent of rejected migrants actually leave the EU. According to Kristersson, new strategies are needed to enforce existing rules and ensure the integrity of migration policy. Nehammer added that without joint action, the credibility of the EU is at stake.
The plan envisages setting up reception centres in safe third countries, such as Albania or Serbia, where migrants can stay until their situation is resolved. In return, these countries would receive financial or political support from the EU. The initiative should not only increase the efficiency of deportations, but also discourage illegal migration, Kristersson said.
Political pressure to tackle migration is high. Right-wing parties in many EU countries are pushing for stricter migration laws. The European Council in October already discussed how third countries can play a role in managing migration flows.
Criticism of the plans is not lacking. Human rights organisations warn of ethical dilemmas and violations of international law in such reception centres. Opponents point to the risks of 'outsourcing European responsibilities' to countries outside the Union. However, proponents argue that this approach is necessary to keep the migration system workable.