European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on EU leaders to explore the idea of setting up migrant return hubs in non-EU countries. In a letter sent ahead of the European Council summit on October 17-18, she emphasized the need to consider centers similar to the Italy-Albania model for processing asylum seekers outside the EU.

Why it matters: Even before Von der Leyen’s letter the Abania – Italy model was being closely watched by EU leaders desperate to find solutions to the increasingly polarizing migration problem. Indeed the awareness that the agreement with Italy could contribute to a EU level solution to the problem may well have been one of the key considerations behind the Albanian Government’s decision to agree to work with Italy. Von der Leyen’s letter seems to confirm that the model is now viewed as a possible solution and that there is a shift in the EU on migration management.  By creating external hubs in third countries, the EU aims to streamline the asylum process and prevent dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. The Italy-Albania agreement, which serves as a model, could offer practical insights on how to handle asylum claims while keeping migrants outside EU borders until their applications are processed.

The rest: Von der Leyen stated that the Italy-Albania model could provide valuable lessons once its operations begin. She called for innovative solutions to combat illegal migration, including expanding cooperation with non-EU countries to establish safe centers for asylum processing and returns.

The proposal involves the development of return hubs outside the EU, which would allow migrants to stay in these centers until their asylum claims are decided. Unlike the UK’s previous Rwanda plan, this model would not send asylum seekers to non-EU countries permanently but only until their cases are resolved.

Von der Leyen also stressed that improving collaboration with countries like Iraq, Bangladesh, and Gambia has already proven successful in managing migration. She highlighted the importance of leveraging visa policies and trade agreements to incentivize cooperation on returns and asylum processing.

Next steps: The idea of return hubs will be a key topic of discussion during the upcoming European Council summit. Although no major decisions are expected, the issue is part of a broader effort to reform EU migration policy. This conversation will likely influence future legislative and operational steps as the EU seeks a comprehensive approach to migration management.