European Parliament backs plans for deportation centres outside EU

The European Parliament has approved controversial plans to establish deportation centres for rejected asylum seekers outside the European Union, along with stricter asylum rules, LRT reports.

In a vote on Tuesday, 418 MEPs supported the reform, 218 opposed it, and 30 abstained. The session was marked by cheers and jeers, with right-wing lawmakers clapping and chanting “send them back,” while opponents responded with shouts of “shame.”

The new rules, aimed at increasing deportations from the EU, still require formal approval from member states. The reform would allow the creation of deportation centres in non-EU countries for migrants ordered to leave the EU but unable to return to their home countries. Unaccompanied minors would not be deported to such centres, though families with children and adolescents could still face this measure.

It remains unclear which countries would host these centres, though German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that agreements should be reached later this year.

Under the new regulations, rejected asylum seekers would face stronger obligations to cooperate with authorities, as well as penalties and the possibility of detention for up to two years while deportation is carried out.