News item | 26-03-2026 | 12:33
The Netherlands and Germany are strengthening migration cooperation as good neighbors and close partners. During Minister Van den Brink’s first international visit, he agreed with his German colleague to cooperate even better on checks in the border area and joint return hubs.
The Netherlands, together with Germany, Denmark, Austria and Greece, is part of a European leading group for setting up return hubs. The leading group has now made mutual agreements about the further development of this. This should lead to concrete steps this year. The Netherlands, together with Germany, wants to enter into discussions as soon as possible with countries where a return hub can possibly be created through joint diplomatic missions.
Minister Van den Brink: “Germany is a crucial partner and good neighbor. Together we stand for a fair and effective asylum policy in Europe – with lower inflows, more returns and innovative solutions such as return hubs.
Minister Dobrindt (Germany): “Germany and the Netherlands are jointly at the forefront of migration policy. It is clear: we want less irregular migration and significantly more returns. To this end, we are committed to clear rules and new instruments such as ‘return hubs’, so that returns can be carried out more consistently. At the same time, we make our countries safer. We work closer together, exchange information more quickly and strengthen cross-border cooperation between our police services.”
In addition, the Netherlands and Germany are investigating how cooperation in inspections in the border area can be strengthened. So that we can enforce effectively and at the same time limit the impact on border traffic.
Both countries believe that timely and full implementation of the Asylum and Migration Pact is crucial for a functioning European asylum policy. Here too, we will continue to work closely together, including when it comes to the implementation of the solidarity mechanism
