Representatives and lawmakers of the European Union reached an agreement on Monday on a plan to reform the bloc’s migration policies. Under the proposal, member states would be allowed to transfer asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected to return centers located outside the European Union.
In addition to establishing return centers, the agreement includes a range of stricter migration management measures. These include the possibility of long-term detention, inspections of individuals’ residences, bans on re-entry into the EU, and penalties for those who refuse to cooperate with deportation procedures.
Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Migration, defended the agreement, saying that its implementation could strengthen citizens’ sense of control and confidence across EU member states. Referring to official statistics, he added that currently only about 27 percent of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected actually leave Europe, which, according to him, demonstrates weaknesses in the enforcement of existing rules.
The agreement was reached just days before part of the EU’s new asylum and migration reforms is scheduled to take effect on June 12.
However, the proposal has faced widespread criticism from left-wing parties, liberals, and human rights organizations. Critics warn that these policies could lead to increased detention, large-scale deportations, and the transfer of individuals to locations with unclear legal status.
While François-Xavier Bellamy, a representative of the center-right, supported the agreement and emphasized the need for people without a legal right to stay to leave Europe, Melissa Camara of the Greens described the proposal as a legal instrument designed to advance tougher migration policies.
Previous negotiations on the proposal failed last month because of disagreements over the timeline for implementing the regulations. Under the new agreement, some provisions will be delayed by one year, while key measures including the establishment of return centers will take effect immediately after final approval.
Despite the breakthrough, the proposal still requires final approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can enter into force.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
