15 EU Nations Push for Migrant Centers Outside Europe

A coalition of 15 European Union countries is urging the bloc to adopt stricter measures to manage migration, including the establishment of centers outside EU territory for processing asylum seekers. This call comes as Europe grapples with a renewed influx of migrants and prepares for upcoming elections, where immigration is expected to be a pivotal issue.

The group, led by Denmark and including nations such as Italy, Greece, and Poland, has sent a letter to the European Commission advocating for new partnerships with countries along migration routes. They propose agreements similar to those previously made with Tunisia, which involve financial incentives for countries to prevent migrants from departing. The letter emphasizes the need for “comprehensive, mutually beneficial and durable partnerships” to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.

In recent years, Europe has seen a significant number of migrants arriving on its shores, with 385,445 recorded in 2023, a stark contrast to the nearly two million who arrived during the height of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015. The current proposal aims to shift the focus from managing migration within Europe to supporting refugees and host communities in their countries of origin. The signatories argue that the existing influx of irregular arrivals hampers resources available for those genuinely seeking asylum.

The letter also calls for a reassessment of the concept of “safe third countries” in EU asylum law, which would allow for the transfer of asylum seekers to nations deemed safe while their applications are processed. This approach echoes controversial models, such as Italy's agreement with Albania, which would see migrants rescued at sea sent to holding centers in Albania for processing. Critics of such arrangements warn that they may lead to human rights violations and further complicate the already contentious issue of migration in Europe.

The recent push for reform comes on the heels of the EU's approval of a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to overhaul the bloc's asylum system. This pact introduces stricter controls on undocumented migrants, including expedited vetting processes and new detention centers. However, the implementation of these reforms is not expected until 2026, leaving a gap in immediate solutions to the ongoing migration crisis.

As the political landscape shifts in Europe, with far-right parties gaining traction, the urgency for a cohesive migration strategy has intensified. The letter from the 15 countries reflects a growing consensus among certain EU members that more robust measures are necessary to manage migration effectively. However, this approach has sparked debate about the ethical implications of outsourcing asylum processing and the potential for increased human rights abuses.

Human rights organizations have expressed concern that such agreements may endorse regimes with poor human rights records, as seen in past deals with countries like Turkey and Tunisia. They argue that these measures could undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum and lead to further marginalization of vulnerable populations.

As Europe navigates this complex issue, the balance between national security, humanitarian obligations, and political pressures will be crucial in shaping the future of migration policy within the EU. The ongoing discussions highlight the need for a comprehensive and humane approach to migration that respects the rights of individuals while addressing the legitimate concerns of member states.