The European Commission's migration policy, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has sparked intense debate and criticism across parliamentary factions. Central to the controversy are proposals to establish repatriation centers outside the EU, which von der Leyen described as 'innovative solutions' to combat irregular migration. However, these measures have been met with strong opposition from Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals, who argue that such centers violate human rights and are ineffective.
Critics, including Iratxe García Pérez of the Socialists and Democrats and Tineke Strik of the Greens, have condemned the proposed centers, particularly those in Albania, as logistical nightmares where migrants may face indefinite detention without rights. The European People's Party has largely defended von der Leyen's position, suggesting that agreements with third countries could be a viable path forward.
Further complicating the issue is an EU migration pact with Tunisia, which has faced scrutiny for potential human rights violations. Ombudswoman Emily O'Reilly criticized the pact for lacking transparency and accountability regarding human rights abuses. Despite the drop in illegal border crossings reported by Frontex, concerns remain about the treatment of migrants.
The debate reflects broader tensions within the EU over migration policy, with far-right factions calling for even stricter measures. The lack of consensus has resulted in the debate ending without a parliamentary resolution, highlighting the deep divisions over how best to address migration challenges while respecting human rights.
