**EU Parliament's Firewall Breached: CDU and CSU Work Closely with Right-Wing Parties** In a surprising development, research conducted by the dpa news agency has revealed that members of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament have been secretly collaborating with right-wing parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), on a legislative proposal to tighten up migration policies. The proposal, which had been stuck in limbo for months, aimed to introduce "return hubs" in non-EU countries, allowing for the deportation of asylum seekers. The plan was initially met with opposition from the EPP's usual coalition partners, the Social Democrats and Liberals, who refused to back the proposal due to concerns over its current form. As negotiations stalled, the EPP reportedly set up a WhatsApp group to reach out to right-wing parties, including the AfD, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and the Europe of Nations and Freedom group (ENF). The group, which also included politicians from Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National in France, was instrumental in securing the required majority in the European Parliament's competent committee. The cooperation between the EPP and right-wing parties has raised eyebrows, particularly given the EPP's traditional alignment with centrist and liberal groups in the EU Parliament. The breach in their firewall may signal a shift in the EPP's stance on migration policy, which could have significant implications for the EU's asylum system. Nigerians may be interested in the parallels between this development and the challenges faced by African migrants and asylum seekers in the EU. The proposal to establish "return hubs" in non-EU countries has been criticized for its potential to create a new system of detention and deportation, raising concerns about the dignity and human rights of migrants. As the EU navigates complex debates on migration and asylum policies, this development serves as a reminder of the intricate web of alliances and power dynamics at play in the European Parliament.