World Immigration News

(euronews)Schengen strained, solidarity broken and return hubs disputed: EU struggles again with migration

Release Date: 2026-08-31
Media: euronews
Summary: The EU is again placing migration at the center of its political agenda after more than 70,000 irregular migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 30. The crisis has exposed weaknesses in the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact and increased pressure for stricter border controls, faster returns, and stronger burden-sharing among member states. Several countries have temporarily restored internal border checks, putting the Schengen system of free movement under growing strain.

The EU’s new solidarity mechanism requires member states to support frontline countries through migrant relocations, financial contributions, or operational assistance. However, relocation remains politically contentious, and disputes are already emerging over responsibility for migrants who move from their first country of entry to another member state. In 2026, 8,878 asylum seekers from Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta are due to be relocated elsewhere in the EU.

Another major issue is the creation of “return hubs” outside the EU. New rules allow rejected migrants to be transferred to third countries even if they have no prior connection to them, provided bilateral agreements exist. Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands are exploring such arrangements, reportedly including talks with Uganda and Rwanda. The plan faces criticism over legal responsibility, detention periods, human rights safeguards, and access to remedies, raising the possibility of court challenges similar to those that undermined the UK-Rwanda scheme.
Tags: Europe

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