EU countries push to set up deportation hubs by year-end

Key Points:

• EU countries, led by Germany and the Netherlands, plan to establish deportation centers or "return hubs" in third countries by the end of 2026 to process rejected asylum seekers before deportation, with Austria, Denmark, and Greece also involved in discussions.
• The European Parliament approved tougher migration rules to speed up returns and penalize asylum seekers who refuse to leave, providing a legal framework for these return hubs, which officials aim to finalize agreements on with third countries by the end of the year.
• The initiative faces criticism from human rights groups like the International Rescue Committee, which warn that return hubs could become "legal black holes" exposing people to abuse.
• Political divisions emerged in the European Parliament vote, with left-wing groups opposing the measures, while center-right, right-wing, and far-right groups supported the tougher deportation provisions, including limiting appeals against removals.
• The cooperation between the center-right European People’s Party and right-wing groups has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it signals a shift away from traditional centrist alliances and undermines efforts to marginalize far-right factions.