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Five EU countries near deal on Rwanda deportation hub

Published

Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece agreed a common model for return hubs after a meeting in Copenhagen. Sources say a deal with Rwanda to host the first hub could be signed as early as next month.

The five interior ministers met in Copenhagen and agreed a common model for deportation centres. The countries will negotiate the centres with governments outside the EU. Danish Migration Minister Morten Bødskov said the aim is to be ready in 2027 to transfer the first irregular migrants to a partner country.

Three people briefed on the talks told reporters the Rwanda deal could be signed as early as next month. The five countries want a centre running in 2027 and a deal by the end of the year. Diplomats call Rwanda the clear frontrunner, ahead of Uganda and Uzbekistan.

The countries have not publicly confirmed the location. One report said the hub could use facilities built for the abandoned British scheme. France and other critics call return hubs "legal black holes". Dutch EU lawmaker Anna Strolenberg, who went on an exploratory mission to Rwanda, called the idea "a big mistake".

Key facts

Who
Germany (EU country planning the Rwanda hub); Austria (EU country planning the Rwanda hub); Greece (EU country planning the Rwanda hub); Netherlands (EU country planning the Rwanda hub)
What
According to an FT exclusive, five EU countries are planning a deportation hub for migrants in Rwanda, potentially using facilities built for the abandoned British scheme. The article text provided is only the headline and description, so further details are not available.
When
28 October 2026
Where
Rwanda, Copenhagen, Denmark
Status
Reported

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