Brussels approves setting up migrant centres outside EU borders

The European Union has given the green light for setting up migrant centres outside EU borders. For Estonia, it would be more beneficial if such centres were established on the initiative of the European Commission rather than through separate agreements between member states. However, the first agreements are likely to emerge through negotiations between specific countries.

The European Union has taken a significant step in migration policy, allowing migrant detention centres for deportable migrants to be established outside the union's borders under new regulations. The decision opens the door to agreements with third countries, to which persons being deported can be directed before they are returned to their home countries.

Commission-led approach more beneficial for Estonia

From Estonia's perspective, the most favourable solution would be if such migrant centres were established on the initiative of the European Commission rather than as a result of agreements concluded by individual member states. A Commission-led approach would ensure more coherent policy, and smaller member states would find it easier to join jointly negotiated terms without having to conclude substantial bilateral agreements themselves.

In practice, however, the first such centres are expected to emerge from agreements between specific countries. Larger member states have greater political and economic leverage to negotiate with third countries, and they are motivated to act quickly, given pressure on the migration issue domestically.

New regulations change the rules

The new EU regulation is designed to alleviate pressure at borders and accelerate the deportation of persons who have no right to remain in the EU. Migrant centres outside the union's borders are one of the tools member states hope will make the return process more efficient. A similar model has already been tested by some European countries, for example, Italy under its agreement with Albania.