Denmark is advocating for the establishment of European Union-funded migrant processing centers located outside the EU, with plans to have the first such facility operational by 2026 or 2027, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said. Speaking to financial news outlets, Frederiksen described a possible coalition of willing EU countries working in coordination with the European Commission to implement the offshore hubs.

The proposal aims to manage migration flows by processing and returning migrants outside EU territory, an approach that has gained traction recently among member states seeking alternatives to handling arrivals directly within the bloc. Frederiksen’s remarks followed a meeting in which 19 EU countries expressed support for offshore migration policies, citing an Italian-run migrant center established in Albania earlier this year as a model.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed that the legal framework necessary to create such return hubs is already in place. However, the spokesperson noted that the progression of the plans depends on decisions by individual member states. While specific details about locations and operational procedures remain to be finalized, the initiative reflects a growing push within parts of the EU to address migration through external partnerships and facilities.

The idea of offshore migrant centers has been contentious, with debates ongoing about the legal, humanitarian, and logistical implications. Proponents argue that these hubs could provide more controlled environments for processing asylum claims and returning rejected applicants, while critics raise concerns about potential human rights risks and the outsourcing of responsibilities. With Denmark emerging as a vocal supporter, the proposal is expected to remain a significant topic in EU migration discussions throughout the coming year.