Five EU Countries Advance Plans for Offshore Migrant Return Hubs

Denmark has long sought to tighten its migration policies. Over recent years, the country has explored ways to process asylum seekers outside its borders, arguing that this could deter irregular migration and speed up returns for rejected applicants. The idea of setting up offshore centers, sometimes called 'return hubs,' has been discussed across Europe, but Denmark is now moving ahead with concrete plans.

The push for external processing comes as migration remains a top political issue in Denmark and much of the EU. Governments are under pressure to find new solutions as arrivals fluctuate and integration challenges persist.

On September 4, 2026, Denmark publicly announced its intention to establish offshore asylum centers outside the European Union by the end of 2027, setting a clear timeline for the plan, according to DIE ZEIT.

That same day, The Local reported that Denmark was joined by Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece. The five countries aim to negotiate with a non-EU nation to host the first center, with hopes to start sending rejected asylum seekers as early as January 2027.

Deutsche Welle noted that German Interior Minister Dobrindt was meeting with his Danish, Greek, Austrian and Dutch counterparts to iron out the technical details of the so-called 'return hubs.' While the countries have agreed on a model, the identity of the potential partner country remains undisclosed.

By early September, the five EU countries had settled on a common approach for the centers, according to Euronews. They expect to reach an agreement with a third country partner around the New Year.

Deutschlandfunk and DER SPIEGEL both highlighted that the initiative remains controversial, with ongoing debates within the EU and among civil society about the legal and ethical implications of processing asylum seekers outside European territory.

As of early September 2026, Denmark and its four EU partners have agreed on the model and timeline for establishing offshore asylum centers. They are now in technical talks with potential host countries outside the EU, but no binding agreement has been signed.

The group aims to finalize a deal with a third country by the end of the year. If successful, they could begin sending rejected asylum seekers to the new centers starting in 2027. The plan is still subject to political and legal scrutiny, both within the EU and in the countries that might host the centers.

The main question is which non-EU country will agree to host the first return hub. The outcome of ongoing negotiations will determine whether the plan moves forward on schedule. Legal challenges and public opposition could also influence how and when the centers are established.