Rwanda has again emerged in discussions over Europe’s efforts to manage migration outside its borders, as five European Union countries work toward agreements with non-EU states to establish centers for migrants ordered to leave Europe.
Denmark, Germany, Austria, Greece and the Netherlands are developing plans for so-called return hubs, with the countries aiming to have the first facilities operating from 2027.
Rwanda and Uganda have been mentioned as possible partner countries, although the European governments have not announced a final host country.
The plans are part of a wider effort by the EU to strengthen the enforcement of return decisions under its new migration and asylum framework.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner has called for a more effective return system for people who have no legal right to remain in the bloc.
Denmark’s Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov said the five countries had agreed on practical steps toward negotiating agreements with countries outside the EU.
The development has renewed comparisons with Britain’s previous agreement with Rwanda, under which the British government planned to transfer some asylum-seekers to Rwanda.
That policy faced legal challenges and criticism from human rights groups before being scrapped by Britain’s Labour government in 2024.
The proposed EU arrangements are intended to deal with people whose applications or right to remain have already been rejected, rather than transferring asylum claims generally to a third country.
European officials have also stressed that any return arrangements must comply with international law and protect migrants’ fundamental rights.
For Rwanda, the latest discussions come after its earlier migration partnership with Britain made it a prominent part of Europe’s debate over sending migrants to countries outside Europe.
The EU proposals are still being negotiated, and any role for Rwanda would depend on agreements between Kigali and the European countries involved.
