EU leaders discuss migration policy and return centers ahead of summit

Nineteen European Union member states have signed a joint letter to the European Council, calling for the establishment of return centers in third countries for migrants without legal residency. The initiative, led by Denmark and Italy, includes participation from Cyprus, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Latvia, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. This proposal coincides with a letter sent by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the migration and asylum pact. Von der Leyen noted a 42% decrease in migrant arrivals in Cyprus and stressed the importance of border surveillance and solidarity among member states. The 19 signatory states are urging the European Commission to provide financial support and engage international bodies like the UN Refugee Agency and the IOM. Leaders are expected to discuss these 'innovative solutions' during the upcoming two-day summit in Brussels. The letter was coordinated by diplomatic advisors known as Sherpas.