Even more tightening: EU countries agree on another core element for asylum reform. Ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch is said to have exploited and abused men

What has been achieved?

The Spanish Presidency of the EU Council announced on Platform X on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached on a common position on the European Commission’s proposals for a crisis mechanism. Several diplomats confirmed the agreement, which allows important talks with the European Parliament important for the completion of the asylum reform.

What is the crisis arrangement about?

The so-called crisis regulation is a central part of the EU’s planned asylum reform. In the event of a particularly strong increase in migration, this could be used to extend the period in which people can be held in prison-like conditions. In addition, the circle of people eligible for the planned strict border procedures could be expanded. In principle, the EU’s asylum reform plans provide for numerous additions and refinements to limit unwanted migration.

Why did the negotiations take so long?

The fact that no agreement could be reached on the plans for the crisis mechanism for weeks was mainly due to the humanitarian concerns of the German government. However, following increasing pressure from partner countries, Berlin gave up its resistance last week after making minor concessions.

Finally, Italy refused, but has now also agreed to a compromise in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States.

In Brussels, the German government explained its rejection of the proposal for the regulation, saying EU countries could use the regulations to lower protection standards for migrants to questionably low levels. Ultimately, however, she was only able to make a few improvements. According to information from government circles, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz informally used his power of direction last Wednesday and ordered that opposition to the crisis arrangement should be abandoned.

What’s next?

Following the agreement at the level of the governments of the EU countries, an agreement on the reform project with the European Parliament should now be reached as soon as possible. Time is of the essence given the upcoming European elections in June 2024. Projects that have not yet been negotiated with the governments of the Member States could then be brought into question again and postponed for a long time. In the case of the planned reform of the asylum system, this would be a particularly major setback. The project has been in the works for years. Right-wing parties in particular have long accused the EU of failing in the fight against illegal migration.

In principle, the EU’s asylum reform plans include much harsher treatment of people from countries considered relatively safe. In the future, after crossing the border, they will be taken to tightly controlled reception centers under prison-like conditions. Normally, it will be checked within twelve weeks whether the asylum seeker has a chance of being granted asylum. If not, it must be returned immediately.

In addition, it must be ensured that some asylum seekers are deported from heavily burdened countries such as Italy and Greece in the future. Countries that do not want to accept refugees would be forced to make compensation payments. (saw/sda/dpa)