Plewris mentioned Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark, with which Athens is cooperating to create the so-called return centers. — Ministers from five countries have already met to discuss this issue, and the technical teams will meet next week, the politician said in an interview with Greek media.
Which countries are cooperating with Greece in establishing deportation centers?
What are return centers?
When are the details about return centers to be discussed?
What changes have occurred in the number of illegal arrivals in Greece in 2025?
He did not specify which countries are being considered as hosts of the centers and said that the choice of the African continent “is not final.” It was the larger European countries that were talking directly to countries where return centers could be established, “but we are also taking part in this,” added the Greek minister.
European countries want to create deportation centers. “Return Centers”
The centers would be intended for people whose asylum applications have been rejected and whose countries of origin do not want to take them back, he explained. He added that the aim is to implement the initial plan within the next few months, although it is unclear when such repatriation centers could become operational.
AP recalled that Greece has been struggling with the influx of immigrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia for years, and tens of thousands of people enter the country every year. “Athens is taking an increasingly firm stance on migration, and its coast guard is accused of carrying out so-called pushbacks, i.e. deporting new arrivals without giving them the opportunity to apply for asylum. The government firmly denies using such practices,” the agency wrote.
Plewris stated that in 2025, the number of people entering the country illegally decreased by 21%. compared to 2024. The Greek minister announced that he will go to Rome next week for meetings with his Italian and Spanish counterparts. He added that they would also meet with the “appropriate minister” from Pakistan to discuss closer cooperation on deportations.
