The European Commission, under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed a willingness to explore offshoring migration procedures as a potential solution to curb the number of asylum applications, counter irregular border crossings, and combat human smuggling. In a letter sent to EU leaders ahead of a summit in Brussels, von der Leyen outlined several proposals, including the establishment of so-called “return hubs” outside EU territory to process rejected asylum seekers. This shift to the right aligns with the current direction of Europe’s migration debate, reflecting a desire to take strong action to address the high number of asylum claims within the bloc.
One proposal put forth by von der Leyen is the development of “innovative ways,” a term commonly associated with offshoring asylum procedures, similar to the Italy-Albania protocol where male migrants rescued in high waters are transferred to centres in Albania. This approach has been criticized for undermining the asylum process and weakening judicial oversight, but von der Leyen sees it as a potential model for future EU policies. Additionally, the president calls for the designation of “safe third countries” at the EU level to streamline deportation processes and avoid disagreements among member states, aiming to increase the rate of returns which currently stands at 20-30%.
In response to a document from 17 European countries demanding a “paradigm shift” on deportations, von der Leyen pledges to propose legislation that outlines clear obligations for returnees and aims to speed up the deportation process through digitalization and mutual recognition of decisions issued by member states. The president also agrees with key demands from the group, including new rules to detain and expel individuals deemed a threat to public order, and the use of visa and trade policies as leverage to compel non-EU countries to accept their citizens post-rejection of asylum applications. These efforts are viewed as necessary for a sustainable EU migration policy that effectively returns those who do not have the right to stay in the EU.
Other ideas presented by von der Leyen in her letter include signing more EU-funded deals with neighbouring countries, implementing stricter rules to combat human trafficking, enhancing responses to hybrid attacks, and providing more humanitarian aid to countries in the Middle East affected by conflict. The president emphasizes the importance of respecting EU principles and values, international legal obligations, and fundamental rights while pursuing these initiatives, with a focus on fostering sustainable and fair solutions for migrants. Despite concerns raised by NGOs regarding the potential problems associated with offshoring migration, von der Leyen remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by migration flows in the region.
Von der Leyen’s letter was released on the same day that the European Commission expressed disapproval of Poland’s plan to introduce a “temporary territorial suspension of the right to asylum,” highlighting the charged political atmosphere surrounding migration policies in Europe. As governments become increasingly bold in their efforts to manage migration flows, the president’s proposals signal a proactive approach aimed at addressing concerns related to asylum applications, border crossings, and human smuggling. By exploring innovative strategies such as offshoring procedures and leveraging cooperative agreements with neighbouring countries, von der Leyen seeks to build a more effective and sustainable EU migration policy that upholds the region’s principles and values while ensuring the protection of migrants’ rights.