A group of EU countries, led by Germany, has joined forces to create a roadmap for “innovative models” for the return of migrants. A follow-up meeting in the same format is expected within a few weeks.

During an informal meeting of the EU’s migration ministers in Cyprus on Thursday, Germany presented a new initiative on return centers. Ahead of the meeting, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the launch of a special task force comprising Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, and the EU Commission.

In addition to developing innovative models for returns, the group is also set to identify potential non-EU countries for cooperation.

“With the decisions made last year … we laid the groundwork for creating more order in the migration system. This also includes innovative models,” says Dobrindt.

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The initiative complements an existing group of over 16 EU countries that regularly meet to push “innovative” solutions under the joint chairmanship of Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy. The group meets at “migration breakfasts” ahead of EU leaders’ summits, where Berlin joined for the first time last year.

In March 2025, the EU Commission proposed new rules for the return of citizens from so-called third countries. The legislation allows for the establishment of return centers in countries outside the EU to handle individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected or who do not have the legal right to remain in the Union.

Syrians to return home

In the wake of the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the EU has increasingly considered returns to Syria, focusing on convicted criminals and individuals regarded as security risks.

In Belgium, plans were presented this week to increase incentives for Syrians to return home. Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said Wednesday that she supports “voluntary return where possible and forced return when necessary.” The country offers up to 5,000 euros in EU-funded support for those who leave voluntarily.

According to Cyprus’ deputy migration minister Nicholas Ioannides, many countries want to resume deportations, at least for convicted criminals and individuals seen as security threats.

“We are willing to discuss our returns to Afghanistan with our EU partners and the Commission to help establish a mechanism,” he told Euractiv last week.

In October, Belgium gathered 19 governments to pressure the Commission for tougher cooperation on the return of Afghan migrants.

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