Romania has joined 18 other European Union member states in calling on the European Commission to allocate funding for the establishment of migrant return hubs outside the EU, as part of a broader effort to tighten the bloc’s migration policy.
The move comes after EU interior ministers adopted a series of legislative measures on December 8, 2025, aimed at regulating the arrival of migrants more strictly and accelerating the return of individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected. These measures provide the legal framework for the creation of “return hubs”, which are facilities outside the EU where rejected asylum seekers could be temporarily held while awaiting repatriation.
In a joint statement submitted to the European Commission, the 19 signatory countries, including Romania, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, and Greece, urged Brussels to move quickly from political agreement to practical implementation. The statement emphasized the importance of financial support from the EU to ensure the effective functioning of these hubs.
The initiative reflects growing concern among several EU nations about the increasing pressure on border and asylum systems. By establishing return centers outside the bloc, the member states aim to streamline repatriation processes, reduce the time rejected asylum seekers spend in EU countries, and enhance overall migration management.
Romania’s support aligns with its national priorities for border control and migration management, while also reflecting broader EU objectives to balance humanitarian responsibilities with security and administrative efficiency.
The European Commission is expected to consider proposals from member states and outline funding plans in the coming months, as part of ongoing efforts to implement the EU’s revised migration strategy.