Migrants: the European debate on the Dublin Regulation
The issue of managing migratory flows is back at the center of political debate in Europe. Recently, several Northern and Central European countries, including Finland, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, have requested to resume the transfer of asylum seekers to Italy, applying the rules set out in the Dublin Regulation.
The Dublin Regulation establishes that the country responsible for examining an asylum application is usually the one of first entry into the European Union. For this reason, many European states believe that Italy should take charge of the majority of procedures for migrants arriving via the Mediterranean route.
The situation remains complex, as demonstrated by the recent landings in Lampedusa. Just in the first few days of November, a fishing boat carrying between 350 and 400 people arrived on the island, once again putting pressure on the local and national reception system.
Not all European countries, however, agree with the position of Berlin and its partners. France and Spain have expressed a contrary opinion, refusing to proceed with the transfer of migrants to Italy at this time. This divide highlights the European Union's difficulties in finding a common and shared policy on border management.
The Italian government continues to work at a diplomatic level to seek a more balanced solution, which provides for greater solidarity among member states. The issue remains one of the most delicate challenges for Europe's political and social stability in the coming months.