The European Commission will present a new directive on the returns of migrants before the end of March, in which it will seek the legal fit of expulsion centers outside the European Union, as announced in a letter to the leaders by the president of the community executive, Ursula von der Leyen. The ‘Meloni model’ takes hold in the EU. Despite the ineffectiveness so far of the centers that Italy opened in Albania to welcome migrants while waiting for their legal situation to be resolved, Brussels takes another step in its intention to copy the format. In this case, the objective is to establish these centers outside European territory to house people waiting to be expelled.
Von der Leyen had already opened up in October to explore “innovative solutions”, as a dozen countries had asked her to do. Now, it goes one step further, and has instructed its services to seek to fit these centers into the new returns directive that it has committed to present before the end of March. “We are studying the best way to introduce into the legal framework the possibility of creating these centers,” explained von der Leyen in a letter, “it is necessary to examine the legal, operational and practical aspectsas well as the financial implications of said centers, while respecting fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement,” he added.
During a working lunch last week, EU Home Affairs Ministers discussed the issue with the new Migration Commissioner, Magnus Brunner. The idea is gaining more and more followers, in line with the recent trend of moving towards the externalization of the management of migratory flows. However, countries like Spain are not comfortable with the idea. “Every time there has been an attempt at innovative solutions that restrict rights, [ese plan] has received a slap on the wrist from international legislation,” alleged the Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaskain statements to the press in Brussels. Marlaska thus confirmed Spain’s opposition to the measure.
In addition to opening centers abroad, Von der Leyen also wants to strengthen work on the concept of ‘safe third country‘. What involves harmonizing the list of countries of origin that are considered safe, but also expanding the definition. This would open the door to expelling people with the right to asylum or international protection to a third country where they can enjoy the same level of security. Ideally, it should be a country with which they also have some type of connection.
Von der Leyen says in the letter that she will begin consultations with EU countries, UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration and some NGOs to determine whether it is necessary to modify the legislation, which comes into force in 2026. At the same time, the president advocates accelerating the implementation of the Migration Pact “where possible.”
Rapprochement with Türkiye
Although currently the numbers are far from reflecting a crisis situation, the management of migratory flows returns regularly to the debate of EU leaders within the European Council. December will not be an exception. However, a high-ranking community source does not predict an in-depth discussion, but simply an assessment of the progress that has been made in recent months by the Commission. Hence von der Leyen’s letter.
What will undoubtedly be on the table is the situation in Syria. Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Greece and Germany have decided to suspend the analysis of asylum applications from Syrian applicants. The Commission, at the moment, believes that the conditions do not exist to proceed with the returns given the uncertainty. But at the same time he is concerned about possible new migratory flows.
“We will have to help Lebanon, Jordan y Türkiye to prepare for different eventualities, including contingency planning for unpredictable movements of people and new security challenges,” Von der Leyen assured in her letter to the leaders. “It is important to ensure that prolonged uncertainty does not trigger new refugee flows,” he added. Von der Leyen traveled precisely to Türkiye this Tuesday. Although the trip was planned before the fall of Bashar al-Assadthe visit and the meeting with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan They took on a new meaning. The head of the community executive staged a rapprochement with Ankara, which is not coincidental, in the middle of the transition in Syria.
“I want to acknowledge that Türkiye has consistently taken responsibility for hosting millions of Syrian refugees over the years,” von der Leyen said. Although he hasn’t done it for free. Since 2011, the EU has contributed more than ten billion euros in aid to refugees and the communities that host them, and the president used the trip to announce a new package worth a billion more for this year.
This money, Von der Leyen explained, must contribute to financing the health care and education of refugees, but also to border management, “including voluntary returns.” As the situation evolves, the German said “we will be able to adapt these 1 billion euros to the new needs that may arise in Syria.” Whatever happens in Syria, von der Leyen is aware that Türkiye will be a key player in the region. After years with relations practically frozen and the accession process paralyzed, the president opened herself to resuming economic and political cooperation. “Our relationship is as rich as it is complex. But one thing is clear: it is moving forward,” he said.
