The European Parliament has backed changes to migration law that would allow the European Union to establish centres in third countries for migrants ordered to leave the bloc. The proposal was supported by 418 members of the European Parliament, while 218 voted against it and 30 abstained.
The measure would give the EU a legal framework for creating migrant return hubs outside its borders, potentially allowing third countries to host people awaiting or undergoing deportation from member states.
The idea of establishing such facilities has been discussed repeatedly in recent years. Moldova has occasionally been mentioned among the countries that could potentially host migrants removed from the EU, although both European and Moldovan officials have previously rejected such suggestions.
The parliamentary vote does not itself confirm that migrant return hubs will be opened in Moldova or elsewhere. However, it moves the proposal closer to becoming part of the bloc’s migration policy and is likely to renew debate over which third countries may be willing to host the centres.
Critics fear that financially vulnerable countries could face pressure to accept such arrangements in return for funding. In Moldova, the issue is particularly sensitive because of the country’s budget difficulties and the government’s close political alignment with Brussels.
Supporters argue that migrant return hubs could make deportation procedures more effective. Opponents, however, question whether the centres would meet legal and humanitarian standards and whether participating third countries would have sufficient oversight.
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