Introduction: A radical shift in European immigration policies
In a move reflecting a radical shift in EU policies, the European Parliament recently approved a package of stringent measures aimed at curbing irregular migration to the continent. Among the most prominent of these measures is the endorsement of the establishment of so-called “return centers,” facilities located outside the EU borders to which irregular migrants are transferred pending deportation or the processing of their asylum applications. This step came in response to mounting pressure from a majority of member states and with strong support from right-wing and far-right members of parliament, who greeted the vote with enthusiastic applause in the chamber, reflecting a clear change in the European political climate regarding asylum issues.
Historical context and the rise of the right wing in Europe
Historically, the roots of this hardening stance can be traced back to the 2015 migration crisis, when Europe received hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants. Since then, the popularity of right-wing parties has surged, making border security and reducing migration a top priority in their electoral platforms. The concept of “return centers” is an evolution of border export policies, recently manifested in bilateral initiatives and agreements such as the one between Italy and Albania, where European countries seek to alleviate their internal burden and transfer the responsibility of hosting migrants to third countries, despite widespread criticism from human rights organizations that warn of potential violations of international law and the rights of asylum seekers.
Eastern Death Route: Alarming figures in the Red Sea
Globally, the tragedy of migration is not confined to the Mediterranean Sea, but extends to other, even more perilous routes. A recent report by the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that more than 900 migrants died or went missing in the Red Sea during 2025. This alarming figure makes this year the deadliest on record for the so-called "Eastern Route," highlighting the scale of a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding far from the world's view.
Motives and reasons: Why do migrants risk their lives?
The “Eastern Route” is one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes, linking the Horn of Africa with the Arabian Peninsula. Tens of thousands of migrants traverse this route annually, braving harsh conditions and the risks of exploitation by human trafficking gangs. These waves of people flee raging armed conflicts, natural disasters linked to climate change such as drought, and severe economic decline in their home countries. Their primary goal is to reach the wealthy Gulf states in search of work and a better life.
Expected repercussions of the new decisions
The anticipated impact of these developments is multifaceted. Regionally, the new European decisions will increase pressure on transit countries in North Africa and the Middle East, necessitating greater international cooperation and financial support to manage migration flows. Internationally, the funding gap facing humanitarian organizations threatens to exacerbate crises, particularly given the millions of displaced people in conflict zones. Ultimately, the greatest challenge facing the international community remains addressing the root causes of migration in countries of origin, rather than relying solely on security measures and border closures.
