Europe Eyes Faster Deportations
European governments are advancing plans to increase deportations and create regional 'return hubs' in Africa and elsewhere — a trend critics say mirrors hardline U.S. approaches and could shape policy export to other regions. The shift suggests mounting political pressure to ramp up removals alongside expanded border controls. (stcatharinesstandard.ca)
On March 26, 2026 the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position on the EU Return Regulation by 389 votes to 206, with 32 abstentions. (france24.com) Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Greece have formed a coalition to negotiate host‑country agreements for return hubs, and Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said they aim to have agreements with third countries “by the end of this year.” (politico.eu) The Commission’s proposal creates a European Return Order and foresees mandatory mutual recognition of return decisions, with the Commission set to review member states’ arrangements by 1 July 2027. (ec.europa.eu) The draft regulation widens grounds for enforcement, raising maximum detention limits to as much as 24 months for some high‑risk returnees and adding sanctions such as entry bans for non‑cooperation. (ecre.org) EU officials pointed to a roughly 20% return rate under the previous framework as the rationale for a unified system to speed removals across member states. (france24.com) Amnesty International and other rights groups warned the Parliament’s position normalises punitive measures and risks rights violations, while the International Rescue Committee has described offshore return hubs as potential “legal black holes.” (amnesty.org)
