European Union : EU Finalizes “Return Hubs” Strategy to Speed Up Deportations Across Continent

European Union interior ministers have reached a landmark agreement to operationalize “offshore return hubs” as part of the 2026 Migration and Asylum Pact.

These facilities, located in non-EU countries, will serve as holding centers for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected, keeping them outside EU territory while they await repatriation.

Additionally, the EU has established its first shared “Safe Country of Origin” list—including nations like India, Egypt, and Morocco—which will trigger mandatory fast-track processing for applicants. The move signals a decisive shift toward a “fortress Europe” approach as member states grapple with high arrival numbers and rising domestic political pressure