EU validates expulsion of undocumented migrants to centers outside Europe

This text, supported by the right and far-right, allows for the detention of exiles for identity verification and the creation of detention centers outside EU borders. While some measures, such as strengthening Frontex, expulsions to third countries, or "return hubs," will be implemented immediately, the rest of the system will take effect within a year. This marks a new authoritarian turn in European migration policy, potentially at the expense of fundamental rights.

Previously, externalizing detention centers outside the EU was largely impossible, except for a specific case with Albania due to a legal loophole. Italian far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already initiated her own project with Tirana, though it faced judicial vetoes. Countries like Denmark, Austria, and Germany have expressed support for these "return hubs," with concrete plans discussed for centers in Rwanda, Uganda, or Uzbekistan.

Unaccompanied minors are the only exception to this new framework. The legislation also mandates the systematic expulsion of all irregular foreign nationals. The period for voluntary departure can be reduced to 0-30 days, enabling immediate forced expulsions.

European capitals gain broad authority to detain exiles, expanding detention grounds to include vague criteria such as flight risk, security threat, simple identity checks, o