The European Union is taking significant steps towards tightening its migration policies. At a recent summit, member states expressed a desire for a robust approach to managing migration flows, with several countries advocating for stricter measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed accelerating repatriations and establishing detention centers outside EU borders. This initiative seeks to manage asylum seekers more efficiently and to speed up expulsions.
A notable development is the model initiated by Italy, where migrants are processed in Albania. This approach has garnered attention as a potential blueprint for the EU. The idea of conducting asylum procedures in so-called third countries is gaining traction, with Albania serving as a test case. This move aims to reduce the number of asylum applications within the EU, which currently exceed one million annually.
Further, the EU is exploring the establishment of agreements with countries like Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania to curb migration. Meanwhile, Poland is considering suspending the right to asylum, a right protected under EU and international law. This consideration has sparked debate, as the European Commission disapproves of such unilateral actions.
The EU seeks to address irregular entries, particularly via the Western Balkans and Mediterranean routes, with a focus on increasing deportation rates. Currently, only about 18% of those ordered to leave the EU do so. To tackle this, countries are proposing measures like facilitating deportation detentions and reducing social benefits for migrants.
Overall, the EU is moving towards a more unified and stringent migration policy, reflecting a shift in priorities among member states.
