In the latest installment of The Ring, recorded at the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs Lena Düpont (EPP) and Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D) discuss whether return hubs could accelerate the repatriation of irregular migrants.

After years of closely collaborating on EU migration issues and countless hours spent in intense committee sessions, this week MEPs Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Lena Düpont come together on The Ring. Firmly disagreeing on managing EU asylum rules, they presented sharply contrasting views on the recent EU reform proposing the creation of so-called “migration return hubs” outside the EU in third countries.

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The proposal, approved on March 26, intends for asylum seekers whose applications have been denied to be relocated to external centres beyond EU territory while they await deportation to their countries of origin. Advocates argue this could resolve a persistent deficiency in the current system.

For German MEP Lena Düpont of the centre-right European People’s Party, this policy fills a critical gap long overdue for attention.

“This completes the puzzle,” she stated, pointing out that the EU has already dedicated substantial resources to asylum procedures but lacks an efficient return framework. Noting that only about 20% of those instructed to leave are actually returned, she emphasized “the importance of having an effective return policy.”

Conversely, Juan Fernando López Aguilar from the Socialists & Democrats strongly rejected this method.

“Return hubs are not the solution — especially when located outside the EU’s borders,” he declared, cautioning that these centres “offer no assured respect for fundamental rights” and risk placing migrants beyond EU legal protection.

López Aguilar also accused the centre-right of partnering with far-right factions to advance stricter migration policies.

“A new majority has emerged,” he remarked critically, highlighting what he perceives as a move towards harsher stances.

This episode of The Ring is hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, with production by Luis Albertos and Amaia Echevarria, and editing by Vassilis Glynos.

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