The European Parliament today approved two key pieces of legislation aimed at tightening immigration policies across the bloc. The measures, if fully implemented, could significantly alter the landscape of asylum procedures and border control within the European Union.
At the heart of the approved texts is a provision that would allow for the relocation of asylum seekers to third countries deemed “safe” by the EU. This list currently includes nations such as Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. The stated objective is to expedite the processing of asylum claims and streamline deportation procedures for those whose applications are rejected.
However, the final adoption of these measures hinges on ongoing negotiations between the Parliament and member states. Sources suggest that a resolution could be reached as early as this evening.
The proposals have ignited fierce debate. While some lawmakers like Fabrice Leggeri argue that these measures are essential to alleviate the pressure caused by unfounded asylum claims, others, such as MEP Fabienne Keller, express concerns that the plan will send individuals to countries with which they have no connection, without proper consideration of their asylum applications.
Concerns have also been raised by human rights organizations, which warn that establishing processing centers outside the EU could expose refugees to potential mistreatment. The European Commission, however, maintains that any host countries would be obligated to uphold fundamental rights.
Despite a nearly 20% decrease in irregular migrant arrivals compared to last year, political pressure to reinforce immigration policies remains high across Europe. Furthermore, nineteen European countries have urged the Commission to allocate resources for the establishment of reception centers outside the EU’s borders, reflecting a broader trend towards stricter immigration controls.
These developments follow the adoption of a series of measures by interior ministers of member states on December 8th, which aim to strengthen rules regarding the reception and return of migrants, paving the way for the creation of so-called “return centers” where migrants whose asylum applications have been denied can be held prior to deportation.
