Sweden Plans to Propose EU “Return Hubs” for Migrants by March

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on Thursday, January 2, that the European Union could present a proposal for the creation of “return hubs” to expedite the removal of illegal migrants as early as March. The proposal, which aims to streamline the process of returning migrants with no legal right to stay, was discussed in Vienna during a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

The two conservative leaders emphasized the need for the EU to take stronger action against illegal immigration, a growing concern as support for far-right and hardline parties across Europe rises, pushing immigration issues to the forefront of political agendas. EU leaders had previously considered a plan to establish hubs in safe countries outside the EU, where migrants who do not have the right to stay in Europe could be sent for processing.

Kristersson revealed that he had spoken with EU Commissioner for Migration, Austria’s Magnus Brunner, who confirmed that a formal proposal is expected in the spring, with March being a likely target for its submission. “There is some momentum right now,” Kristersson said, highlighting the increasing support for the initiative.

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer commended Kristersson for keeping immigration at the forefront of EU discussions. He noted that 18 countries within Europe’s Schengen Area, including Switzerland and Norway, have aligned interests in controlling migrant flows. Nehammer also emphasized that Austria and other countries without an external EU border are now playing a more active role in addressing immigration issues, a shift in perspective that has allowed the debate to evolve.

“Only when we recognize that the problem must be solved together do we have a chance of making progress,” Nehammer concluded, stressing the importance of collective action to tackle the migration challenge.