Greece is ready to assume an active role in the creation and operation of “return hubs” outside Europe, with a “Ta Nea” report on Thursday citing Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris as declaring as much during his recent meeting with his German counterpart, Alexander Dobrindt, the federal minister of the interior.
Plevris, according to the report, cited Athens’ interest in actively participating in deliberations over the creation of deportation centers in third countries, as proposed by the European Commission.
Such proposed centers would host individuals who have had asylum requests rejected.
According to reports, the Greek government has pressed its case to participate in such discussions, and to even take a leading role.
Ministry officials told “Ta Nea” that discussions are not merely focused on “return hubs” in non-EU countries – i.e. Italian-run centers in Albania – but eye such centers outside the European continent – possibly in Libya and elsewhere.
New Migration Pact
Additionally, two-day meetings in Berlin this week also touched on the need to implement a new migration and asylum pact as well as a return regulation.
The Greek minister directly cited initiatives and negotiations undertaken by Germany regarding the return of Afghan and Syrian nationals to their home countries.
Both sides, moreover, reportedly agreed that new and stricter legislation passed by the Mitsotakis government has led to a 45% reduction in the arrival of irregular migrants over the last quarter.
