Migration is returning to the center of the European political debate as governments look for new ways to manage irregular arrivals and accelerate returns.
A recent crisis involving large numbers of arrivals in Spain has increased pressure on EU countries to strengthen cooperation on border management. The developments have also raised questions about how responsibility for asylum seekers should be shared among member states.
Several European governments are exploring the possibility of establishing so-called “return hubs” outside the European Union for people who are required to leave Europe. Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands are among the countries involved in discussions about such arrangements.
Supporters argue that faster returns could make the European migration system more effective, while human-rights organizations have raised concerns about legal safeguards and the treatment of migrants sent to countries outside Europe.
The debate is expected to remain a major issue for European governments in the coming months.
