Overview
- EU interior ministers gave the final formal approval Thursday to a law that creates the legal framework for so‑called Return Hubs and the measure is expected to enter into force in the coming weeks.
- The law allows member states to establish deportation centres in third countries to hold people subject to removal who cannot be returned to their home states, including cases where a home country refuses readmission.
- A coalition called the Group of Implementers, led by Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Greece, has committed to identify and negotiate with a partner third country by the end of 2026.
- The package also expands enforcement tools by permitting longer deportation detention of up to 24 months with a possible six‑month extension, plus measures such as cutting benefits and seizing travel documents to compel cooperation.
- Human‑rights groups warn of risks to legal and humanitarian protections and experts say practical hurdles and likely court challenges lie ahead while some governments, notably Italy, push parallel national plans and return targets.