French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have sparked a debate within the bloc by opposing the European Union's plan to send migrants to third countries. Speaking after a summit in Brussels, the two leaders stated they reject the idea of establishing 'return centers' outside the EU, both on principle and in practice.
"This is not our Europe"
In his closing remarks at the summit, Macron said, "I am not sure this is our Europe. I don't think these are the fundamental principles on which our Europe was built." Macron also expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such centers, stating, "I have not seen anyone make this work so far. The proof is there."
The French leader emphasized that while they support stricter laws to reduce irregular migration, they draw a red line against the physical transfer of migrants to distant countries where they have no presence. Macron said, "This is a question revolving around the famous return centers in third countries. France does not support this policy."
"A waste of economic resources"
Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described return centers as an "absolutely inefficient" and "worthless" response to irregular migration. Sánchez assessed, "It's a mirage, if you will, that will only waste economic resources, and Europe doesn't have that many resources to spare."
Sánchez added that these policies would send the wrong message at a time when cooperation, solidarity, and empathy with countries of origin and transit are needed.
A deep division within the EU
The criticisms from Macron and Sánchez highlight a deepening division within the EU over migration policy. At the same summit, a coalition led by Denmark and Italy signed a joint declaration calling for the "full use" of a new European law that would allow the establishment of 'return centers' outside the EU to house those with rejected asylum applications.
However, Macron firmly stated that he would not allow EU funds to be used in any capacity for the construction of such centers. The French President expressed his reaction, saying, "Sometimes we hear one or the other (country) advocating policies with the African continent, so good luck defending our credibility on those continents by explaining that the money will be used to build return centers on their continents."
