In a bold move to tackle irregular migration, the European Union has announced a comprehensive plan to increase deportations and establish 'return hubs' for rejected asylum seekers in third countries. This proposal, unveiled by the European Commission, has stirred political and social debates across Europe.

The central element of the proposal is the introduction of a 'European System for Returns,' which aims to streamline member states' ability to execute deportation orders across the EU. Currently, only about 20% of individuals with deportation orders are actually removed, a situation deemed unacceptable by EU officials. Magnus Brunner, the EU commissioner for migration, emphasized the need for clearer enforcement to ensure individuals deported from one EU country are barred from the entire EU territory.

The establishment of 'return hubs' outside the EU's borders marks a significant shift in the bloc's migration policy. These centers would accommodate individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected. The initiative, however, excludes unaccompanied minors and mandates adherence to international law and human rights standards. Still, critics argue that such centers might replicate past failures of externalizing migration control, pointing to previous agreements like the Italy-Albania pact.

As negotiations unfold within the European Parliament and the Council, political divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced. In Strasbourg, the Social Democrats and Greens express staunch opposition, criticizing the reliance on externalization that could lead to human rights violations. They highlight concerns about detainees facing abuses in third countries, citing examples from past agreements with Libya.

Conversely, the proposal has found support among conservative parties who argue it addresses security concerns and responds to public demands for stricter migration controls following electoral shifts. The European People's Party and several EU member states, including Italy and the Netherlands, back the plan as a pragmatic solution to a politically charged issue.

Human rights organizations have voiced significant concern, arguing that the proposal undermines asylum seekers' rights and risks escalating human suffering. The Commission intends to enforce stringent conditions to mitigate these risks, ensuring agreements with third countries abide by international standards.

As part of its broader strategy, the EU plans to reassess the definition of 'safe-third country' to facilitate the implementation of 'return hubs.' This provokes further disputes among stakeholders, with many questioning the viability and legality of such an approach.

The proposal also emphasizes voluntary returns over forced deportations, accompanied by extended detention periods for those posing a security or flight risk. European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen describes the reform as a balance between rigorous control and fairness, encouraging voluntary compliance.

In an intensely polarized environment, the proposal continues to face hurdles. Human rights groups underscore the potential deterioration of existing asylum systems, urging the EU to prioritize safe and legal pathways for migration instead of punitive measures.

As the debate persists, it mirrors larger issues within the EU concerning migration policy, sovereignty, and human rights protection. The consequences of this proposal could significantly shape the EU's approach to migration, impacting millions of lives directly and indirectly.