Stricter asylum policy - EU countries agree on stricter rules for deportation
Interior ministers of the European Union agreed in Brussels to tighten asylum rules, accelerate deportation processes, and strengthen border measures, in a move considered a significant shift towards a stricter immigration policy within the Union.
During the meeting, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that the new policy focuses on stronger protection of external borders and more unified asylum procedures. Member states agreed to increase pressure on rejected asylum seekers through new commitments and to reduce assistance for those who do not cooperate with the authorities.
The amendment of the definition of 'safe third countries' is a key element of the agreement. In the future, asylum applications can be rejected more easily if applicants can obtain protection in a safe country outside the European Union, even without a direct connection to it. Passing through that country or having an agreement with the European Union will be sufficient for rejection. This paves the way for processing asylum applications in so-called 'return centers' outside the Union.
The ministers also approved the first unified list of safe countries in the European Union, which includes: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, India, Kosovo, Bangladesh, and Colombia. Those arriving from these countries will be subject to expedited procedures at the borders or in transit areas. Candidate countries for EU membership are also considered safe unless they are facing war or serious human rights risks.
To assist countries under significant pressure from asylum requests, 21,000 asylum seekers will be relocated within the Union through what is called the 'Solidarity Fund.' Less affected countries will contribute €420 million. Although the asylum reform planned for 2024 aimed for larger numbers, the full system will not come into effect before July 2026. According to European Commissioner Magnus Brunner, Germany is already hosting a large number of asylum seekers for whom responsibility lies with other European countries, reducing the need for additional contributions from it.
However, human rights organizations have warned that the reforms could undermine the basic rights of asylum seekers. A group of rights and legal organizations has called on the Bundestag to review the proposals, considering that the federal government is following a very harsh approach that ignores the rights of asylum seekers. Among the signatories are the Committee on Fundamental Rights and Democracy, the Association of Democratic Lawyers, and the Humanitarian Union.