EU ministers discuss 'Return Hubs' for asylum seekers, new migration pact

European Union interior ministers convened in Luxembourg to discuss the advancement of "Return Hubs" in third countries and the implementation of the new EU Asylum and Migration Pact. Austria, through its Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, is actively advocating for the rapid establishment of these centers, which would house rejected asylum seekers who cannot be returned to their home countries.

Karner expressed his commitment to having concrete partners or projects identified by the end of the year, with the goal of commencing implementation next year. He indicated that "many, very many discussions" have taken place, including during a recent visit to Uzbekistan. However, he declined to name potential host countries for the hubs, citing the sensitive nature of the negotiations and the desire to avoid jeopardizing ongoing talks.

The ministers are also assessing the progress of the EU Asylum and Migration Pact, set to enter into force on June 12. EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner described the pact as the foundation for a major migration reform, acknowledging that full implementation will take time. A ministerial conference is scheduled for June 12 in Cyprus to mark the occasion, with expectations that most member states are prepared.

Additional agenda items include discussions on the Schengen Area and the border controls currently being implemented by Austria, which have drawn criticism from the European Commission. Karner emphasized that reducing illegal migration is the primary objective.