Group of EU Member States, including Greece, agree on a plan for the creation of return hubs in third countries

A ministerial meeting of particular importance took place on 4 September 2026, in Copenhagen, with participation of Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands. Participating countries moved from political declarations to a concrete plan for the implementation of return hubs in third countries, especially in Africa.

Agreement was reached on a Framework of Principles for future cooperation with third countries, with full utilization of the new European Return Regulation, which is expected to enter into force in the autumn of 2026. This will ensure the absolute legality and the substantial effectiveness of the initiative, as well as its full compliance with international law.

In his statements following the meeting, the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum highlighted that this initiative shows that Europe can design and implement 'bold, innovative and effective solutions', adding that ‘for Greece — a country located on the external borders of the EU and bearing a disproportionate burden of managing flows— the implementation of Return Centres is not just a theoretical option, but an imperative national necessity.’

More information is available here.