EU set to tighten migration rules with plan for offshore 'return hubs'

EU interior ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday are poised to endorse major new restrictions on migration, marking the first formal vote on measures proposed earlier this year to curb arrivals and speed up deportations. Driven by fears of far-right electoral gains, governments are pushing for the establishment of “return hubs” outside EU borders where rejected asylum seekers would be sent.

Longer detention periods for migrants refusing to leave.

Deportations to third countries deemed “safe,” even if not the migrant’s country of origin.

EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner stressed urgency, stating:

“We have to speed up to give the people the feeling that we have control over what is happening.”

Denmark, holding the EU presidency, has accelerated the process, with diplomats reporting “a widely shared political wish” to advance. Centre-right and far-right MEPs have already signalled support. France has raised legal and practical concerns, and Spain doubts the viability of return hubs after past failures elsewhere.

Activists warn the policies will drive more people into “legal limbo” and danger. If approved Monday, negotiations with the European Parliament will begin immediately. Ministers will also tackle politically sensitive talks on redistributing at least 30,000 asylum seekers or paying €20,000 per person avoided under the new solidarity mechanism.