European countries may establish migrant centres outside the European Union (EU) funded by the bloc as early as next year, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicated, reflecting a growing shift toward tougher immigration policies in Europe. Frederiksen, a proponent of the so-called “return hubs,” said there is ongoing work to secure European Commission funding for facilities located in non-EU countries.

Speaking ahead of the expected launch of the first such return hub in 2026 or 2027, Frederiksen described a coalition of willing member states supported by the Commission working toward this goal. The idea involves outsourcing migration management to countries outside the EU, a concept that has traditionally been contentious but is gaining traction amid increasing migration challenges.

Denmark had previously initiated talks with Rwanda in 2021 to establish a centre for asylum seekers, but the plan was suspended due to political backlash and concerns over legal and human rights protections. Since then, Copenhagen has pushed for EU-funded hubs as an alternative approach.

Frederiksen’s remarks followed a recent statement by 19 EU countries endorsing offshore migration policies inspired by an Italian-run centre in Albania, established in 2024. These countries have called for EU budget support for such initiatives. A senior adviser to the European Court of Justice noted that the Albanian centre might comply with EU law if it ensures the application of EU human rights standards to the individuals housed there, though the court’s final decision is still pending.

The European Commission has stated that the legal framework to establish return hubs is in place, but implementation depends on decisions by individual member states.

However, not all EU leaders agree with the proposal. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism, saying he had not seen any return hub operating effectively and opposed the use of EU funds for such centres. Macron questioned whether these schemes align with the fundamental principles on which Europe was built.

Frederiksen’s advocacy for return hubs has drawn criticism, especially from fellow social democrats, who argue that it may be impossible to uphold EU standards and human rights protections in centres outside the bloc. Despite this, Frederiksen insisted that human rights would be safeguarded, though she did not elaborate on the specific measures to ensure this.

She also acknowledged comfort with support from far-right parties for her plans. Recently, a European Parliament regulation backing return hubs passed with backing from these parties, accompanied by demonstrations including chants of “Send them back” from some Members of the European Parliament.

Frederiksen framed the issue as a social democratic concern, emphasizing that the burden of unmanaged migration disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups. She argued that addressing migration challenges, including through return hubs outside Europe, is consistent with social democratic values in the current context. The debate over the future of these centres remains a contentious issue within the EU as member states weigh policy, legal, and ethical considerations.