EU Plans Return Hubs as Spain Launches Mass Regularization Program

EU Commissioners Magnus Brunner and Henna Virkkunen presented a new five-year strategy focused on preventing illegal arrivals through return hubs and offshore reception centers.Spanish Minister Elma Saiz launched a separate regularization plan to grant legal status and work permits to undocumented residents who arrived in Spain before 2026.Human rights organizations criticized the EU proposal after reports surfaced regarding €7.4B in funding for Egypt and other North African nations to strengthen border controls.