Story perspectives

EU Approves Offshore Asylum Return Hubs Amid Opposition

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Parliament adopted a return regulation permitting offshore return hubs.
Nineteen member states signed an open letter urging use, while Spain and France opposed.
Critics warn the EU’s asylum outsourcing could repeat abuses seen in offshore programs in Australia, Israel, the United States and ICE-El Salvador.
Council of Europe commissioner Michael O’Flaherty calls for risk assessments, independent monitoring, binding safeguards and transparency before cooperation.

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Story summary

The European Parliament adopted a return regulation permitting offshore return hubs.
Nineteen member states signed an open letter urging use, while Spain and France opposed.
Critics warn the EU’s asylum outsourcing could repeat abuses seen in offshore programs in Australia, Israel, the United States and ICE-El Salvador.
Council of Europe commissioner Michael O’Flaherty calls for risk assessments, independent monitoring, binding safeguards and transparency before cooperation.