Athens, Greece – Greece has announced it is in talks with Germany and other European countries to establish migrant return centers in African countries deemed safe. This move aims to curb irregular migration and promote return policies outside the European Union.
Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said the negotiations involve specific African countries to host migrants who cannot be directly returned to their countries of origin. He emphasized that the initiative is led by a coalition of European countries, not the entire European Union. He added that the goal is to “send a clear message that irregular migration routes are now closed.”
Plevris noted a significant decrease in migration flows to Greece. The country has recorded approximately 12,000 arrivals since the beginning of the year, compared to 23,000 last year. This represents a decrease of nearly 50% between August and mid-November compared to the same period in 2024. The minister attributed this decline to improved cooperation with Turkey, as well as diplomatic efforts in Libya to curb the flow of migrants from North Africa.
In Germany, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Weser is working to establish new centers. The aim is to process asylum seekers subject to the Dublin Regulation, thereby expediting their return to the European country responsible for their applications. A center is planned for Eisenhüttenstadt in the east of the country, along with another in Hamburg.
Despite the existence of a clear legal framework for the Dublin system, Germany faces significant difficulties in implementing deportations. Authorities failed in tens of thousands of cases during 2023 and 2024, including the case of the suspect in the Aschaffenburg attack who was supposed to be deported to Bulgaria. However, the slow pace of official decision-making resulted in the expiration of the six-month legal deadline.
The joint action between Greece and Germany demonstrates a growing European orientation. It focuses on strengthening external cooperation and tightening migration management. This comes at a time when discussions continue regarding the legal and humanitarian aspects of establishing return centers outside the continent.
