The dispute stemmed from an initiative by a group of 19 European Union countries, which, at the summit in Brussels, called for accelerating the implementation of new migration legislation. This legislation allows for the creation of so-called return centers for migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected. Denmark and Italy are the most active proponents of this idea, seeking to shift part of the migration procedures outside of Europe.
However, Macron made it clear that Paris does not intend to support this course of action.
“I’m not sure this is our Europe. I don’t know if these are the fundamental principles on which our Europe was built,” the French president said after the summit.
According to Macron, the loud promises mask a lack of real results. He noted that similar projects have already been undertaken, but there is still no convincing evidence of their effectiveness.
“I have never once seen a return center in a third country actually work,” he emphasized.
The French leader stated that he supports stepping up the fight against illegal migration and speeding up procedures for returning migrants to their home countries. But sending people to countries with which they have no connection, in his view, crosses a red line.
Macron was particularly irritated by the term “innovative solutions,” which is popular among supporters of the initiative. The French president made it clear that he is not prepared to experiment when
it comes to human
rights.
“I am a great advocate of innovation. But when it comes to innovation in the realm of values and human rights, I am always extremely cautious,” he said.
Madrid also sided with Paris. Pedro Sánchez called the idea of creating deportation centers outside the EU a “mirage” that would not solve the migration crisis but would require significant financial costs.
“This will only lead to a senseless waste of resources, of which Europe does not have all that many,” the Spanish prime minister stated.
Sánchez also warned that such a policy could complicate relations with African nations and other countries of origin and transit for migrants, cooperation with which remains a key element of Europe’s migration strategy.
Despite opposition from France and Spain, the number of supporters of a tougher approach to migration in the EU is growing. For many European governments, return centers are seen as a way to reduce the number of undocumented migrants and speed up deportations.
