The Gjadër model expands across Europe, with five EU countries planning return centers outside the bloc from 2027

The idea of sending to Albania migrants intercepted in Italian territorial waters, which was initially met with skepticism in the European Union, is now being considered as one of the models for the future return policy.

Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands have agreed to work on a timetable and a joint plan to establish “return centers.” These would be facilities outside EU territory where irregular migrants could stay while awaiting the completion of repatriation procedures.

During a meeting in Copenhagen, the ministers of the five countries said they aim to finalize an agreement next year with a partner country to establish these centers.

Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov said that the transfer of the first migrants to a partner country outside the EU is expected to become possible by 2027. However, the ministers did not disclose which countries they are currently negotiating with over these facilities.

The decision was made after several months of debate over how the centers would operate and whether they would comply with international obligations to protect human rights. The initiative has faced strong opposition from human rights organizations and some left-wing politicians.

The five governments insisted that the facilities would not become “camps,” but would operate as “open centers.” According to Dutch Immigration Minister Bart van den Brink, they would give irregular migrants a “new opportunity.”

The EU’s new rules on the return of migrants, adopted at the beginning of this year, allow member states to open centers outside the bloc. Asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected, as well as other migrants awaiting deportation, may be transferred there if an agreement is reached with the host country.