Macron rejects EU “return hubs” proposal for migrants

French President Emmanuel Macron has said France does not support the creation of so-called “return hubs” for migrants in third countries, questioning both their effectiveness and compatibility with European values, while acknowledging that some EU states support the idea.

“We are in favour of a more effective return policy, but ... I have never seen a return centre in a third country that actually works,” Macron said on June 19 in Brussels at the conclusion of a two-day European Union summit, Reuters reports. 

The comments come after the European Parliament this week approved a migration reform package aimed at accelerating deportations and enabling the establishment of offshore detention facilities, a move critics argue weakens asylum protections.

Macron questioned whether such proposals align with the principles underpinning the European Union.

"I'm not sure that's what our Europe is about. I'm not sure that these are the fundamental principles on which our Europe was built, and I don't believe it's effective either," he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed opposition to the plan, saying Spain does not support the creation of return hubs but acknowledged it remains in the minority within the EU.

He added that the proposal would be economically inefficient: “They are simply going to waste economic resources, and Europe doesn't have many of those".

By Sabina Mammadli