EU Member States to Discuss Tougher Migration Policies
The 27 member states of the European Union are meeting on Monday to approve measures aimed at tightening migration policies, including the establishment of "return centers" for migrants. For the first time, EU interior ministers are voting on three texts presented by the European Commission this year to regulate the arrival and return of migrants. These texts include:
- The opening of "return centers" outside EU borders where migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected will be sent
- Stricter sanctions for migrants who refuse to leave European territory, including longer detention periods
- The transfer of migrants to countries they are not from, but which Europe considers "safe" This comes as pressure on politicians continues, despite a 20% decrease in irregular arrivals compared to last year.
European Commissioner's Statement
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the architect of the tougher sanctions against illegal immigration, stated on Thursday: "We need to make progress to give citizens the feeling that we are in control of the situation." The proposals have sparked outrage from the left and migrant defense associations, who denounce measures that violate human rights.
Criticism from Migrant Defense Associations
Silvia Carta, from the PICUM NGO for the protection of irregular migrants, stated: "Instead of investing in security, protection, and integration, the European Union is choosing policies that will put more people in danger and in a situation of legal insecurity." Under the impetus of Denmark, which holds the EU's rotating presidency and has always called for tougher migration restrictions, member states are rapidly advancing in the discussion of these measures.
Diplomatic Progress
A European diplomat stated: "We are moving very quickly," highlighting the existence of a "widely shared political will" among the 27 member states to approve these proposals. Among the few skeptics of these measures, France is questioning the legality and effectiveness of some of them. Spain is also expressing doubts about the "return centers," which have already been tested by several countries without real success.
Support from the Right and Far-Right
These measures have the clear support of the right and far-right, which allied last week in the European Parliament to give them a principle agreement. The European Parliament is also calling for rapid action, with many deputies and European leaders urging the final adoption of these decisions at the beginning of next year.
Redistribution of Asylum Seekers
Crucial discussions are also taking place on Monday regarding a new system for redistributing asylum seekers in Europe. To alleviate pressure on countries along migration routes, such as Greece and Italy, the European Union will soon require other member states to host asylum seekers on their territory. If these countries do not comply, they will have to pay a financial contribution of 20,000 euros for each asylum seeker to countries facing this pressure.
Negotiations and Challenges
Member states have been negotiating for several weeks on how to implement this system. However, these negotiations have encountered many setbacks, particularly given the current political situation, which raises questions about the countries willing to engage in the redistribution of migrants. Several countries, including Belgium, Sweden, and Austria, have already announced that they will not accept asylum seekers from other EU member states.
Challenges Ahead
A European official speaking anonymously stated: "There are few interior ministers who are willing to stand in front of the media and say: 'Okay, we've taken 3000 asylum seekers.'" Despite this, member states will have to reach an agreement on the redistribution of thousands of asylum seekers by the end of the year.
