At the centre of this dramatic policy pivot is the very model Europe once condemned: the now-defunct UK-Rwanda migration deal. The plan, which sought to transfer asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda for processing and possible resettlement, was abandoned by the Labour government in 2024.
Yet today, several EU states, including Germany, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands, are actively exploring or reviving similar strategies, marking a stark reversal from their previous stance.
'There is broad support,' said Danish Migration Minister Kaare Dybvad, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency. 'Sending asylum-seekers outside the bloc has so much traction now,' he told the Financial Times, citing discussions with key member states like France, Germany, Poland and Italy.
Germany, which once championed refugee reception under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, is now reportedly in talks with Rwanda to establish a UK-style arrangement. Meanwhile, Italy has signed a contentious deal with Albania to host asylum processing centres, and the Netherlands is considering a 'transit hub' in Uganda.
The European Commission, which previously stood firmly against such proposals, has now drafted legislation to formalise the concept of third-country asylum processing. The draft includes an EU-wide list of "safe" countries and new rules allowing member states to send migrants there even without prior ties to the destination.
Rwanda's name is again being cited in multiple European capitals, with increasing recognition of its stability, governance and capacity to support migrant integration.
The EU's shift toward Rwanda-style migration policy comes amid international comparisons, particularly between how the UK and the United States have handled similar proposals.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on August 6, U.S. Border Chief Tom Homan openly criticised Britain's failure to follow through on its agreement with Rwanda.
'They're not the United States of America. They don't have President Trump running the show,' Homan said, blaming what he described as weak leadership in London for the UK plan's collapse.
The UK's Labour government formally scrapped the plan last year following the exit of Rishi Sunak's administration, citing legal and ethical issues, and has since faced mounting pressure for not offering a credible alternative to curb irregular migration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration remains under fire domestically for the lack of a replacement policy.
In contrast, the U.S. under President Trump has pressed ahead with its own migration deal with Kigali. Rwanda recently confirmed it had agreed to take in an initial 250 migrants from the U.S. under a voluntary resettlement programme.
"Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade," said Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo.
Though Rwanda continues to position itself as a willing partner, it remains cautious. Kigali has repeatedly emphasised that any agreements must ensure dignity, voluntary participation, and long-term support for migrants.
The government retains the right to review and approve each individual proposed for relocation and insists on offering real opportunities for integration.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/eu-warms-to-rwanda-migration-scheme-dropped-by-uk
