UK Sanctions Balkan Smuggling Gangs, Seeks Deportation 'Return Hubs' As Frontex Cooperation Expands

At a London summit with Western Balkans leaders, the U.K. rolled out sanctions on alleged smuggling networks, touted Frontex cooperation and bilateral returns deals, and floated external deportation 'return hubs'—an idea rejected by Albania and Montenegro. London also extended its Kosovo peacekeeping role, framing a broader crackdown on routes feeding Channel crossings.