EU considers radical plan: unsuccessful asylum seekers to be sent to centres outside the bloc

The European Union is moving towards one of its most controversial migration policies – sending unsuccessful asylum seekers to return centres outside the EU. Negotiations are underway on stricter deportation rules, and member states are already exploring potential agreements from Albania to Central Asia. Critics warn that the planned scheme may be problematic.

The European Union is taking steps that could lead to one of the most controversial migration policies in the history of its member states. Negotiations are underway on new and stricter deportation rules under which unsuccessful asylum seekers would be sent to return centres located outside EU borders.

Where are partners being sought?

Several EU member states have already actively explored potential agreements with candidate partner countries – geographically, both Albania in the Balkans and Central Asian countries are being considered. This approach is somewhat similar to the UK's so-called Rwanda Plan, which also envisaged the relocation of asylum seekers to third countries, but which faced strong legal resistance.

Criticism and risks

Prominent critics warn that such schemes could violate international human rights standards and legal obligations regarding asylum. Concerns raised include the safety of people in third countries and the transparency of the entire process. It is also unclear which countries would actually be willing to host such return centres and on what terms.

What happens next?

In recent years, the European Union has taken an increasingly strict stance on migration issues, responding both to domestic pressure from member states and growing dissatisfaction with how the current asylum system operates. The new negotiations represent an attempt to find a joint solution covering the entire bloc, but the divide among member states remains deep – both in terms of legal interpretations and political priorities.