The Rama-Meloni Pact Becomes Law: EU to Integrate Return Centers into Legislation

 The European Commission is set to include so-called "return centers"—located outside the EU's borders—in a legislative proposal aimed at accelerating the deportation process for rejected asylum seekers. This move represents a significant step in European migration policy and follows the controversial agreement between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, which established such a center in Gjadër, Albania.

 

The decision was made during an informal meeting of EU member state leaders held on January 30 in Warsaw. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner led discussions on a series of "innovative ideas" for managing migration, with the return center legislation taking center stage.

The proposed bill, designed to streamline the deportation process for migrants whose asylum applications have been denied, is expected to be published by the Commission by the end of the month, paving the way for its formal adoption into law.

During the meeting, Commissioner Brunner proposed "stronger detention rules" and "the possibility of establishing return centers" outside EU territory. These centers would serve as holding facilities for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected, facilitating their return to their countries of origin.

The inclusion of such centers in EU legislation is expected to spark debate among member states, human rights organizations, and migration policy experts. While proponents argue that these measures will reduce irregular migration and ease pressure on EU countries, critics warn of potential human rights violations and the risk of shifting Europe's migration responsibilities to non-EU countries.

With the upcoming publication of the legislative proposal, the debate over return centers will likely intensify, testing the EU’s commitment to both border security and human rights protections.