Greece said it is working with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark to establish migrant “return centres” outside the European Union, likely in Africa.
Thanos Plevris, Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum said the facilities would host migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected and whose countries of origin refuse to readmit them.
He said the five countries have already held meetings and technical teams are due to convene next week, adding: “We are no longer speaking theoretically, but moving into practical action.”
Plevris did not specify potential host countries, saying Africa is not mandatory, and larger European states are holding direct talks with possible partners.
He described the centres as a deterrent for those with limited chances of receiving asylum and said a preliminary plan could be ready within months.
Greece has adopted a tougher migration stance in recent years, as it remains a key entry point into the EU for migrants from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The European Union last week approved new migration policies allowing member states to reject applicants from “safe” countries or transfer them to third countries for asylum processing.
Greek authorities say irregular arrivals fell 21% in 2025 compared with the previous year, with around 13,000 fewer entries, and dropped 40% in the past five months.
Athens says it will now focus on increasing returns of rejected asylum seekers, as broader European efforts intensify to curb irregular migration.