French President Emmanuel Macron opposed the creation of migrant return centers outside the European Union. In his opinion, such measures have not proven their effectiveness and contradict European values.
During the European Union summit, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the initiative of several EU countries to place migrants who have been denied asylum in special centers outside the European Union.
"France's answer is no to return centers," Macron stated.
According to the French leader, such a mechanism raises serious questions both in terms of effectiveness and in terms of human rights compliance.
"I do not believe they are effective, and they also do not align with our principles," the president emphasized.
This concerns the so-called return centers, where migrants subject to deportation are planned to be sent, but who cannot be returned to their country of origin. Such a situation arises, for example, if a state refuses to accept its citizens back.
Recently, the European Parliament approved the legal framework for the creation of such centers. However, for the practical implementation of the initiative, the consent of EU member states is necessary. Macron made it clear that France is not ready to support this approach.
"I support innovation in many areas, but I am much more cautious when it comes to innovations in matters of values and human rights," he stated.
The French president also noted that he is unaware of successful examples of such centers operating in third countries. Furthermore, he opposed the use of the common European budget to finance such projects.
What is important to know: the issue of migration remains one of the most contentious within the European Union. Some countries advocate for stricter controls and expedited deportations, while others fear human rights violations and increased political tension.
Germany is considered the main supporter of the new initiative.
Berlin is promoting it jointly with the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Denmark. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the first agreements with countries outside the EU could be concluded as early as this year.
Support for the use of so-called solutions involving third countries was previously expressed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In a joint letter, they called on the European Commission to ensure financial support for such mechanisms. The document was signed by 19 out of 27 EU member states.
Thus, the discussion about the future of the EU's migration policy continues, and the issue of return centers remains one of the most contentious topics within the community.
