Five EU nations agree to set up migrant return hubs in non-EU countries by 2027

Five European Union countries agreed Friday to establish migrant return hubs in non-EU nations by 2027, with negotiations already underway with potential host countries.
Denmark, Germany, Austria, Greece and the Netherlands—known as the Group of Five—said they aim to sign deals this year to send migrants without legal residency to facilities outside the bloc. Danish Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov told reporters in Copenhagen that the group expects to reach a common understanding with a partner country by early 2027, targeting a start date of January 1. “We are moving forward toward what is actually a fundamental transformation of the common European migration and asylum system,” Bødskov said .
The ministers did not name the countries under consideration but confirmed discussions are ongoing, including with Rwanda and Uganda. Bødskov emphasized the hubs would not be detention centers, describing them as “opportunities for a new chance” for irregular migrants who cannot return to their home countries. The International Organization for Migration and UNHCR said they had not been formally approached with details but would ensure any initiative complies with legal frameworks and protects migrants’ rights .
The Group of Five plans to reconvene in Munich later this month to advance the plan. The European Parliament approved a migration policy overhaul in June, enabling member states to set up such centers abroad .
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