Netherlands and Germany boost migration cooperation with joint return hubs and border checks
The Netherlands and Germany are intensifying efforts to manage migration more effectively. New joint return hubs and enhanced border checks aim to reduce irregular migration and improve returns, impacting travelers and migrants alike. Citizens may notice stricter controls but smoother cross-border traffic.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries Involved | Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Greece |
| Focus Areas | Border checks, joint return hubs, asylum policy |
| Timeline | Concrete steps expected later in 2026 |
| Diplomatic Efforts | Joint missions to countries for potential return hubs |
| Key Figures | Minister Van den Brink (Netherlands), Minister Dobrindt (Germany) |
| Policy Framework | Asylum and Migration Pact, European solidarity mechanism |
The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security plays a central role in shaping migration and asylum policies, both domestically and in European collaborations. This cooperation with Germany reflects the Netherlands' commitment to a unified European approach to migration challenges.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Minister Van den Brink strengthens migration cooperation with Germany
News | 03-26-2026 | 12:33
The Netherlands and Germany are strengthening migration cooperation as good neighbours and close partners. During the first international visit of Minister Van den Brink, he agreed with his German counterpart to enhance cooperation on border checks and joint return hubs.
The Netherlands, together with Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Greece, is part of a European vanguard group working to establish return hubs. The group has already made internal agreements on further implementation, which should lead to concrete steps later this year. The Netherlands, in collaboration with Germany, aims to engage as soon as possible with countries where a return hub could be established through joint diplomatic missions.
Minister Van den Brink: “Germany is a crucial partner and good neighbour. Together, we are leading the way in Europe for a fair and effective asylum policy—with lower inflows, more returns, and innovative solutions such as return hubs.”
Minister Dobrindt (Germany): “Germany and the Netherlands are leading the way in migration policy. It is clear: we want less irregular migration and significantly more returns. To achieve this, we are focusing on clear rules and new instruments such as ‘return hubs’, so that returns can be implemented more consistently. At the same time, we are making our countries safer. We are working more closely together, exchanging information more quickly, and strengthening cross-border cooperation between our police forces.”
Additionally, the Netherlands and Germany are exploring how to enhance cooperation on border checks to ensure effective enforcement while minimising the impact on cross-border traffic.
For a functioning European asylum policy, both countries consider the timely and full implementation of the Asylum and Migration Pact essential. They will continue to work closely together, including on the implementation of the solidarity mechanism.