Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced that the European Union may propose the establishment of ‘return hubs’ as early as March 2025. These hubs aim to streamline the deportation of migrants who lack the legal right to remain in the EU.
Kristersson revealed this potential timeline during a meeting in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both leaders called for stronger EU measures to combat illegal immigration, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.
The concept of return hubs gained traction in October 2024 when EU leaders discussed sending migrants to facilities in safe non-EU countries. These hubs are designed to alleviate pressure on member states struggling with high migrant inflows.
Kristersson highlighted that discussions with the EU Commissioner for Migration suggest a formal proposal could be finalized by spring. “There is some momentum right now,” he remarked during a joint press conference with Nehammer.
Nehammer commended Kristersson for keeping migration issues at the forefront of the EU agenda. He noted the alignment of interests among 18 Schengen-area countries, including non-EU states like Switzerland and Norway, in addressing migration challenges.
The Austrian chancellor emphasized the importance of unified efforts, stating, “Only when we recognize that the problem must be solved together do we have a chance of making progress.”
The rising influence of far-right parties across Europe has intensified the political focus on immigration, making initiatives like the return hubs a critical component of the EU’s strategy to manage migration effectively.