Denmark Leads EU Push for Return Centres Outside Europe as Five-Nation Coalition Takes Shape

COPENHAGEN, August 17, 2026 — Denmark, together with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Greece, is spearheading a push to establish return centres for irregular migrants outside the European Union, with ministers from the five countries set to meet in Copenhagen on September 4, 2026, to advance the plan .

The initiative comes as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defends the country's Schengen membership while simultaneously calling for a tougher EU approach to irregular migration .

Denmark leads push for EU return centres outside Europe with five-nation coalition meeting in September.

What Are Return Hubs?

Return hubs are facilities located outside the EU that would hold rejected asylum seekers who cannot be deported to their home countries. The concept has gained traction following the EU's adoption of a regulation supporting such centres, which passed through the European Parliament in June 2026 with support from far-right parties .

The regulation allows EU member states — either individually or jointly — to send migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected but who cannot be returned to their countries of origin to third countries outside the bloc . This would primarily affect individuals whose home countries do not have return agreements with the EU .

"In 2026-27, the first return hub outside of Europe will be established... I believe we can achieve this within the coming year."— Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark

The Coalition of the Willing

The five countries leading the effort represent a diverse political coalition:

Country	Key Figure	Position
Denmark	PM Mette Frederiksen	Leading advocate for return hubs outside Europe
Germany	Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt	Joining Danish-led initiative
Netherlands	—	Active participant in return hub plans
Austria	—	Interested in launching hubs by early 2027
Greece	—	Supporting the push for EU return centres

The coalition extends beyond these five, with 19 EU countries having recently spoken in favour of offshore migration policies modelled on Italy's hub in Albania, according to the Financial Times .

"You will observe a coalition of willing countries... backed by the Commission."— Mette Frederiksen

The Meloni-Frederiksen Alliance

A notable political development is the growing partnership between Danish PM Frederiksen, a Social Democrat, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Fratelli d'Italia . Despite their political differences, the two leaders have developed a close personal relationship.

"With Mette, everything is simple."— Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister

They have issued joint statements calling for:

• Return hubs outside Europe

• Better protection of EU external borders

• A more decisive approach to irregular migration

"We accept no uncontrolled migration into Europe. Illegal immigration has negative effects on European societies."— Joint statement by Meloni and Frederiksen

Denmark Rejects Schengen Exit

Despite its hardline stance, the Danish government has firmly rejected calls from the Danish People's Party to withdraw from the Schengen Area .

During an urgent parliamentary debate in the Folketing, Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bodskov warned that leaving Schengen would weaken Denmark's ability to return irregular migrants under existing European arrangements .

Prime Minister Frederiksen stated that Denmark will retain the ability to tighten border controls if necessary, and that authorities are closely monitoring possible migrant movements through Europe .

Opposition and Human Rights Concerns

The plan faces significant opposition, particularly from France, where President Emmanuel Macron has stated he has not seen a return hub "that works" and would oppose using the EU budget for such schemes .

"I'm not sure that these are the fundamental principles on which our Europe was built."— Emmanuel Macron, French President

Critics argue it will be impossible to guarantee EU standards and human rights in centres outside the bloc . Frederiksen insists that human rights will be protected and that centres will operate "on European conditions" in accordance with international law .

"The hubs must comply with international law, which I believe everyone concurs with. Therefore, it will be a hub located outside of Europe, but under European conditions."— Mette Frederiksen

Key Dates

Date	Event
September 4, 2026	Five-nation meeting in Copenhagen
2026–2027	First return hub expected to open

Related News

Spain and Italy Impose Reciprocal Border Controls as Ceuta Migrant Crisis Fractures Schengen

UK High Court Rules "One-in, One-Out" Deal Policy on Trafficking Claims Unlawful – Home Office to Appeal Decision

For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news

VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.

Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.