The European Commission has defended the establishment of return hubs in non-EU countries under the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, rejecting claims that they are inhumane. In a written answer on 29 June 2026 to a question by Greek MEP Kostas Papadakis (NI), Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner stated that the Return Regulation, on which EU legislators have reached a political agreement, provides a legal framework for such hubs subject to strict conditions and safeguards, including human rights guarantees and respect for the principle of non-refoulement.
The answer, which responds to a question submitted on 31 March 2026, underscores the Commission's view that the combination of the Pact rules, migration diplomacy, and operational cooperation has significantly reduced illegal arrivals since 2023. Brunner stressed that Member States must implement asylum and migration rules in compliance with EU law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and that the Commission remains in close contact with Greek authorities on implementation.
Papadakis had questioned whether the reduction in arrivals was merely the result of intensified crackdowns, pointing to the tragedy off Crete and the situation in Chios. He also raised concerns about Greece's suspension of decisions on Iranian asylum applications, linking it to EU support for war in the Middle East. The Commission did not directly address the suspension of Iranian applications but reiterated that Member States must respect their obligations under EU law.
The answer contains no new concrete proposals or numerical targets, instead reaffirming existing policy directions under the Pact. The Return Regulation, once formally adopted, will establish swifter and more effective return procedures across the EU, with the possibility of return hubs in third countries. Institutional follow-up is expected as the regulation moves toward final adoption and implementation, with the Commission continuing to monitor Member State compliance.