Overview
- Greece’s migration minister said Athens has officially expressed interest in Germany’s initiative to discuss facilities in African countries for people deported from Europe.
- Thanos Plevris said talks are being pursued by individual states, not under EU auspices, and he described contacts with “safe” African countries about accepting people who cannot be returned home.
- A German interior ministry official said the ministers shared an interest in “innovative solutions” at a November 4 meeting and are working at the European level on the legal basis for return rules.
- Plevris argued hubs outside Europe would serve as a deterrent, citing examples such as transferring Egyptian nationals to Uganda, while noting similar efforts face judicial scrutiny under EU law.
- The push comes as Greece toughens migration controls following a rise in arrivals on Crete and Gavdos, including expanded border fencing, more sea patrols, and a temporary halt to processing some sea asylum claims.