Greece aims to join the group of European countries working on creating repatriation centers in Africa. The project, which could materialize by 2027, involves Athens collaborating with Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands to establish 'return hubs' outside the EU.
The Greek Minister for Migration, Thanos Plevris, announced this plan on Ant1 broadcaster. According to him, Athens has already pinpointed an African nation for the initiative, but its identity is currently confidential. Rwanda and Uganda have been mentioned in discussions, though no official confirmation has been given.
Plevris aims to have the project significantly advanced by the second half of 2027, when Greece will hold the EU presidency.
This model is presented as distinct from Italy's approach with its centers in Albania. The 'return hubs' concept involves non-EU countries in managing individuals subject to repatriation orders. Operational methods, legal guarantees, and compatibility with European and international laws are crucial aspects of any agreements.
Plevris also mentioned an upcoming meeting with representatives from the other four governments involved and the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration to discuss the initiative's details further.
The repatriation issue is part of a broader strategy that the Greek government intends to bring to the European table. Athens plans to propose a system of extraordinary measures to the EU's Home Affairs Council on October 1st, to be used in exceptional migration crises.
The minister highlighted situations involving mass arrivals and what the concerned governments describe as potential 'instrumentalization' of migration flows. In such cases, Plevris advocates for much faster procedures, including immediate repatriation orders.
This stance is likely to spark European debate, particularly regarding asylum rights and protections for those arriving at EU borders. The discussion on centers in third countries is tied not only to the effectiveness of repatriation policies but also to the guarantees provided by European and international law for individual protection claims.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati