Brussels: French President Emmanuel Macron today expressed his country's opposition to the establishment of migrant return centers in other countries, questioning their effectiveness.
According to Qatar News Agency, Macron, speaking at the conclusion of the two-day European Union summit, expressed respect for countries wishing to establish such centers. He stated, "We support a more effective return policy, but... I have never seen a return center in a third country that is actually operational." Macron also raised concerns about the compatibility of these centers with European values, adding, "I am not sure that this reflects the essence of the Europe we believe in... I am not sure that these are the fundamental principles upon which Europe was founded, and I also don't think they are effective."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S¡nchez, during a press conference following the summit, echoed Macron's sentiments. He reiterated Spain's opposition to the establishment of such centers, suggesting that they would only lead to a waste of economic resources, "of which Europe does not have many," as he put it.
Earlier this week, the European Parliament approved a comprehensive overhaul of the immigration system aimed at expediting deportations and allowing the establishment of detention centers outside European territory. This move has been criticized for being harsh and for potentially undermining asylum guarantees.