In the dispute with Italy: Switzerland should increase the pressure for deportations

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Italy has been refusing to take back refugees for months, even though the country should. Now the Swiss parliamentarians have had enough. The State Political Commission of the National Council wants to “exert maximum pressure on Italy so that the country meets its obligations,” it wrote in a statement. She agrees with a corresponding proposal from FDP State Councilor Damian Müller (39).

The bone of contention between Switzerland and its neighbor is the Dublin Agreement. This regulates the processing of asylum applications. In most cases, the countries where the asylum seekers first arrived should be responsible. If someone continues to travel to another country, he or she should be sent back. But Italy has been refusing returns since December 2022.

The Federal Council should intervene in Brussels

Switzerland’s hands are tied. The asylum seekers stay here and the federal government pays the costs. As long as Italy remains stubborn, nothing will happen. But now the Federal Council must put pressure on Brussels.

The National Council Committee demands that he intervene in the EU Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs. Switzerland should call on the European Commission to “take all necessary measures” for Italy to comply with the agreement, the proposal said.

The committee also dealt with the return of rejected asylum seekers. She accepted a motion by SVP State Councilor Werner Salzmann (61) by 17 votes to 8. This calls for a “repatriation offensive of criminals and people in danger.” The Federal Council should present a concept on how Switzerland can expel more affected people. More readmission agreements should also be concluded and voluntary returns promoted.

Forced return is often difficult

In the summer, the Council of States called for sanctions against non-cooperative countries. Cutting back on development aid, for example. However, the National Council Committee once again removed this requirement. According to reports, this is because development assistance is not necessarily something that is managed by the state, but is often implemented by non-governmental organizations.

The Commission also rejected two other proposals. FDP State Councilor Müller submitted both. If he gets his way, Switzerland will have to send rejected Eritreans to a third country. The Eritrean authorities do not accept the forced return of their citizens. Just like Algeria. That is why Müller – like SVP-Salzmann – demanded that measures be taken against problem countries.

This summer, these two concerns were met with support in the Council of States. But for the National Council Committee they go too far. The majority believes that the situation with Algeria has improved anyway. The National Council will then decide on all four proposals during the winter session. If the Federal Council approves individual projects, it must take action. (rba)

Source:Blick