Greece and Four EU Allies Forge Plan for Deportation Hubs in Africa
Greece is spearheading a collaborative initiative with four other European nations to establish deportation centres outside the European Union, primarily targeting migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected. The migration minister, Thanos Plevris, announced on Wednesday that Greece is working alongside Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark to create these so-called return hubs, with a strong preference for locations in Africa.
From Theory to Practical Implementation
Minister Plevris emphasised that discussions have moved beyond the theoretical stage, stating on Greek state broadcaster ERT television, "We are not speaking theoretically any more, we are speaking practically." He revealed that ministers from the five countries have already convened to address the issue, and technical teams are scheduled to meet next week to advance the plans. While the specific host countries for these hubs remain unspecified, Plevris noted that the choice of the African continent is "not binding," indicating flexibility in the final decision.
He clarified that larger European nations are leading direct negotiations with potential host countries, but Greece is actively participating in these efforts. The primary objective of these return hubs is to manage individuals whose asylum claims are denied and whose countries of origin refuse to accept them back. Plevris argued that the mere existence of such facilities would serve as a deterrent to prospective migrants who are unlikely to qualify for asylum, thereby reducing illegal entries.
Greece's Strategic Role and Migration Challenges
Located on the southeastern edge of Europe, Greece has long been a key entry point into the EU for individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Each year, tens of thousands undertake perilous sea journeys to reach Greek shores, either from the Turkish coast to nearby Aegean islands or via the longer Mediterranean route from North Africa to southern islands like Gavdos and Crete.
In response, Athens has adopted an increasingly stringent approach to migration management. The Greek coast guard has frequently faced accusations of conducting pushbacks—summary deportations of new arrivals without permitting asylum applications—though the government vehemently denies these allegations. Plevris highlighted a significant reduction in illegal arrivals, reporting a 21% decrease in 2025 compared to 2024, equating to 13,000 fewer arrivals, and a 40% decline over the past five months.
Broader EU Context and Future Steps
This initiative aligns with recent European policy shifts, as EU lawmakers last week approved new immigration rules allowing member states to deny asylum and deport migrants if they originate from a country deemed safe or could seek asylum outside the bloc. Plevris stressed that the Greek government is now focusing intensively on returning those whose asylum applications are rejected. Currently, Greece conducts approximately 5,000 to 7,000 returns annually, but with 40,000 to 50,000 new arrivals each year—about half of whom are denied asylum—the minister acknowledged that the current return rate is insufficient.
Looking ahead, Plevris plans to travel to Rome next week for meetings with his Italian and Spanish counterparts. Additionally, he will engage with "the equivalent minister" from Pakistan as part of broader discussions with countries of origin to enhance cooperation on returns. The aim is to have an initial plan operational within the next few months, though the timeline for the hubs becoming fully functional remains unclear, underscoring the complexity of this multinational endeavour.
