Five European Union countries have agreed on a concrete timeline and model for establishing migrant return hubs outside the bloc, with the goal of beginning transfers of irregular migrants by 2027.

Ministers from Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands, known as the Group of Five, met in Copenhagen on Friday and finalized a shared approach to the facilities. The centers would host individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected and who cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.

Danish Migration Minister Morten Bødskov stated that the group expects to reach an agreement with a partner country around the New Year and be ready to transfer the first irregular migrants within 2027. Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris described the plan as showing that Europe can design innovative solutions to combat irregular migration.

The ministers did not name potential host countries, though reports have pointed to possibilities including Uganda and Rwanda. The group plans to reconvene in Munich at the end of September to advance negotiations.

The initiative follows the European Parliament's June approval of a return regulation that explicitly permits member states to set up such hubs through bilateral agreements with non-EU countries, provided human rights standards are met. Italy's arrangement with Albania has served as a reference model.

Nineteen EU governments have previously expressed support for the concept in a joint letter. The developments reflect growing momentum among several member states to accelerate returns of those without legal right to remain in Europe.