Magnus Brunner, the nominee for European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, proposed a controversial plan to establish “return hubs” outside the EU for rejected asylum seekers. In his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Brunner emphasized that these centers could be implemented in a “humane and legally sound manner,” although details on the proposal remain limited.
Brunner, currently Austria’s finance minister, said he believed the EU should remain “open-minded” and explore “new ideas” for handling migration, even as he acknowledged the sensitive nature of such a project. Stressing that any return hubs would need careful design, he promised further consultations with member states to determine what such a concept could look like in practice.
Throughout the hearing, the 52-year-old nominee faced rigorous questioning from MEPs on the future of EU migration policy, especially around recent moves toward outsourcing migration processes, a trend endorsed by some EU leaders but criticized by human rights advocates. “We need to be open to considering new ideas,” Brunner remarked, adding that any measures would be consistent with EU values and legal commitments.
While Brunner offered few specifics on the potential locations or costs of these hubs, he emphasized that a balance must be struck between humane treatment and effective migration control. Humanitarian organizations have already voiced strong opposition to the proposal, warning that such facilities could lead to prolonged detention and suffering for migrants. EU law also places limits on forcibly sending migrants to countries without significant ties, posing an additional challenge.
Brunner said the proposal would be part of a broader legislative package planned for mid-2025, aimed at improving deportation efficiency and ensuring return orders are recognized across EU states. In this regard, he committed to greater digitalization and simplified procedures, along with efforts to convince origin countries to accept the return of their nationals.
During the hearing, Brunner was also asked about Italy’s recent agreement with Albania to process asylum applications outside the EU. He commented that this deal could offer valuable lessons for future policy, though he acknowledged it has sparked criticism from progressive MEPs.
Another key focus was the EU’s approach to border security, with some MEPs pushing for funds to be allocated to physical border barriers. Brunner, however, suggested that investment in surveillance technology and infrastructure might be a more effective use of EU funds. “Funding has to be effectively deployed, and we owe that to our taxpayers,” he stated.
Brunner largely echoed the migration and border policy goals outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. If approved, he would oversee the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a comprehensive reform agreed upon after nearly four years of negotiations. He affirmed his commitment to enforcing the pact, even suggesting that infringement proceedings could be launched against states, like Poland and Hungary, that openly resist compliance.
In his closing remarks, Brunner pledged to work toward removing internal border controls within the Schengen Area and to advocate for full EU membership for Romania and Bulgaria. His stance on Schengen drew particular attention, given that Austria has opposed the two countries’ accession, but Brunner assured MEPs that he would prioritize a unified approach to migration and border policies across the bloc.
