The plan to establish Return Hubs for migrants in safe third countries is moving into its practical implementation phase, with Greece taking part in the core group of European states shaping the new model.

The Core Group Ministerial Meeting concluded today in Copenhagen, with the participation of Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece. Greece was represented by the Minister for Migration and Asylum, Thanos Pleuris.

According to the Ministry for Migration and Asylum, the five countries have moved on from political declarations to concrete planning for the implementation of the so-called Return Hubs, which are to be set up in safe third countries, with particular reference to countries on the African continent.

Greece is the only country from southern Europe taking part in this scheme, and the meeting confirmed agreement on the core principles of the framework that will govern cooperation with whichever third country is eventually selected. Central to the plan is the new European Return Regulation, expected to come into force in the autumn of 2026, which will form the legal basis for implementing the model.

As protothema.gr has previously reported, Uganda and Rwanda are the two countries considered most likely to reach an agreement with the EU to host return hubs on their territory. Rwanda’s key advantage is that it already has infrastructure and prior experience in receiving and temporarily hosting migrant and refugee populations, meaning that, should the two sides reach an agreement, such a scheme could become operational significantly sooner.

The Ministry for Migration and Asylum’s statement

The Core Group Ministerial Meeting concluded today in Copenhagen, bringing together Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece, with the Ministry for Migration and Asylum represented by the Minister, Thanos Pleuris.

The ministerial session marks a significant milestone for European migration policy, as the participating countries moved from political declarations to a concrete, workable plan for implementing the innovative Return Hubs model in safe third countries, particularly on the African continent.

Greece’s presence in this scheme is especially pivotal, as it is the only country from southern Europe actively involved in shaping this new strategy. During the talks, agreement was confirmed on the core principles of the Framework of Principles for future cooperation with a partner third country, making full use of the new European Return Regulation expected to enter into force in the autumn of 2026, ensuring full legality, genuine effectiveness for the undertaking, and full compliance with international law.

The Minister for Migration and Asylum was accompanied at the meeting by the Secretary General for Migration Policy, Nadia Papakosta, and the Commissioner of the Asylum Service, Marios Kaleas.

Agreement reached in the EU on migrant return hubs in third countries

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Pleuris stated the following:

“Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, today’s Core Group Ministerial Meeting in Copenhagen marks a milestone for European migration policy. We are proving in practice that Europe can design and implement bold, innovative and effective solutions.

For the Greek Government, our position is absolutely clear and non-negotiable: the creation of Return Hubs will be founded on complete legality. This model will operate in full respect of European and international law. To turn this political will into tangible reality, we agreed today on a concrete Roadmap of Legal Requirements and National Timelines.

At the same time, I want to stress that technical meetings and consultations with candidate third countries have already begun. We are particularly optimistic that we will soon be in a position to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that will put the model into effect. For Greece, a country on the external borders of the European Union that bears a disproportionate burden in managing migration flows, the implementation of Return Hubs is not merely a theoretical option but a pressing national necessity.

Our country is proving that it remains at the forefront of European solidarity, while at the same time taking initiatives to deter irregular migration. We cannot allow Greece to become a permanent point of entrapment for those who are not entitled to international protection. By combining legal rigour, strategic planning and close cooperation with international organisations, we are building a returns system that is fair, but above all effective in protecting our borders and restoring order. Thank you.”