European Union Agrees on Return Centers for Third Country Nationals

European Union reached agreement establishing return centers in third countries Monday evening. Deal allows negotiation with only human rights respecting countries concerning return centers.

Germany, Greece, Austria, Netherlands, and Denmark have expressed their interest in negotiations.

Unaccompanied children cannot be sent to these centers under the new regulation. Return order form to be recognized across Europe but mutual enforcement not required.

Rejected asylum seekers must cooperate; some may be detained for up to twenty-four months. Awaiting European Parliament approval, trial period lasting one year will soon follow.