Kosovo Proposes Hosting UK Migrant Return Hubs Amid Security Talks

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti has engaged in high-level discussions with UK and French officials during the Berlin Process summit in London, emphasizing Kosovo's commitment to EU and NATO integration and seeking stronger security cooperation, particularly with the UK. Kurti highlighted ongoing talks about establishing "return hubs" in Kosovo for British rejected asylum seekers, marking Kosovo as the first country to indicate willingness to host such centers, with the aim of aiding the UK in managing illegal migration while seeking reciprocal security support against threats from Serbia and Russian influence. This move contrasts with other Western Balkan nations like Albania and Montenegro, which have rejected the UK’s proposal for asylum seeker return hubs. Kurti underscored the importance of partnership with the UK in countering hybrid warfare and securing regional stability, and he stressed the need for Kosovo to receive EU candidacy status. He also condemned Serbia’s hostile actions, referencing a recent violent attack in Banjska, which Kosovo labels a terrorist act with alleged Serbian involvement. Overall, Kosovo is positioning itself as a proactive partner in European security and migration management, leveraging its strategic alliance with the UK to advance its Euro-Atlantic integration goals.