The EU backs the deportation of migrants to camps located in third countries

BarcelonaGreen light on the tightening of the European Union's migration policy. The European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council (formed by the governments of the member states) have reached an agreement this Monday that endorses the opening of immigrant deportation camps outside the EU's borders, such as those Giorgia Meloni has unsuccessfully created in Albania. The new deportation legislation also makes it easier for governments to expel people in irregular situations and toughens reception conditions.

Driven by the rise of far-right parties, European lawmakers had long been seeking a way to deport migrants whose asylum applications are denied – who, despite the refusal, often end up staying in the member states irregularly. And they have found it in a recipe that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

The main novelty of the text is that it includes the possibility for states to deport migrants in so-called "return centers" in third countries – which are also not their country of origin – provided that an agreement has been previously signed. The new regulation also establishes the obligation to leave the member state in question and to cooperate with national authorities to expedite expulsion. Failure to do so could result in sanctions ranging from the withdrawal of social benefits and work permits to criminal sanctions including imprisonment.

The agreement, which was scheduled for last week, comes after overcoming a point of disagreement between Parliament and the Council regarding timelines. While the Eurochamber called for accelerating its implementation in January 2026, the member states requested an additional year. It has finally been agreed that the law will be applicable immediately after its entry into force.

"The new regulation will accelerate the return process and increase the returns of people who do not have the legal right to stay in the EU," indicated after the agreement the Deputy Minister of Migration of Cyprus, Nicholas A. Ioannides, whose country chairs the Council of the EU until the end of June.

The new text also includes ways to streamline and standardize the deportation process, through a single form that can be used in all member states. Furthermore, it provides for "special measures for persons who pose a security risk." It includes detention periods for repatriated individuals of up to 24 months if they do not cooperate or if the authorities perceive a flight risk.

However, the legislation faces opposition from social democratic, green, and left-wing parties, who argue that it is not aligned with European principles and represents a shift towards the far-right by traditional right-wing parties. Spain is the only state that has opposed the regulation since the Interior Ministers of the Twenty-seven reached a general framework.