On Thursday, the interior ministers of the European Union gathered in Luxembourg to explore new methods for strengthening border controls and limiting illegal migration to the 27-member bloc.
Approval of New Regulations for Expelling Migrants
At the end of the meeting, they approved new regulations to increase the expulsion of illegal migrants. These regulations allow member states to establish return centers outside the EU for migrants who are legally required to leave the bloc but cannot return to their countries of origin.
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Efforts by Various Countries to Change Migration Policy
Countries including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands have been exploring options to change migration policy and establish such migration centers. Danish Interior Minister Morten Bodskov told reporters, "We are making good progress regarding return centers." He noted that they are moving in the right direction but did not provide further details.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt also stated that preliminary negotiations have taken place in this regard but refrained from providing more information about the countries involved. He emphasized that more work is needed to ensure that any agreement is resilient against potential claims.
Dutch Migration Minister Bart van der Brink announced that a technical mission traveled to a potential host country in September. Proponents of this policy say that return centers can facilitate return processes and act as a deterrent for illegal migrants.
Greece's Proposal to Suspend Asylum Applications
On Thursday, Greece even proposed a temporary suspension of asylum applications in emergency situations. The right to apply for asylum is guaranteed under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Athens argued that current laws are insufficient to manage mass arrivals, such as the influx of migrants to the North African enclave of Spain in the summer.
The Spanish government estimates that over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July. While most have returned home, about 10,000 remain there, prompting increased calls in some EU capitals for a tougher approach.
It is noteworthy that the discussions among interior ministers come as illegal migration remains at the top of the EU's political agenda, with right-wing parties gaining more support across the bloc.
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