Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day European Union summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron declared Friday that France will not support the establishment of so-called “return hubs” — offshore detention facilities for migrants — in third countries.
Macron expressed doubt about whether such facilities have ever proven effective. “We are in favour of a more effective return policy, but … I have never seen a return centre in a third country that actually works,” he told reporters.
The French leader also raised concerns about whether these hubs are consistent with the values Europe was founded on. “I’m not sure that’s what our Europe is about. I’m not sure that these are the fundamental principles on which our Europe was built, and I don’t believe it’s effective either,” Macron said.
His comments came just days after the European Parliament approved a sweeping migration reform package aimed at speeding up deportations and permitting offshore detention centers. Critics of the measure argue it takes a harsh approach and undermines protections for those seeking asylum.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also voiced opposition to the return hubs during a press briefing Friday following the summit. However, he acknowledged that Spain’s position puts it in the minority among European nations. Sanchez argued the hubs would amount to a financial drain, saying they are “simply going to waste economic resources, and Europe doesn’t have many of those.”
