In a joint appeal to the European Commission, fifteen European Union member states, led by Denmark, have called for a stricter stance on asylum regulations. Their main goal is to make it easier for undocumented migrants—including those who have been rescued at sea—to relocate to third nations.

The appeal takes its roots from the UK's Rwanda Scheme. Moreover, the demand comes shortly before the European Parliament elections, which are predicted to see a rise in support for far-right anti-immigration groups and amid mounting worries over irregular migration.

The group highlights the need for creative methods to stop irregular migration to Europe. It comprises interior and immigration ministers from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Romania, and Finland. They are especially interested in investigating the creation of all-encompassing alliances with important partner nations along migration pathways.

Proposal for New Migration Pacts and Offshore Processing Centers

One of the main demands of these 15 EU countries is the formation of new migratory agreements analogous to those with Tunisia. These agreements would provide financial incentives to partner nations to stop migrants' departures.

The alliance also recommends investigating offshore processing facilities for people rescued at sea and requesting asylum. This concept, a step toward outsourcing migration management, is comparable to the contentious scheme Italy hopes to follow in Albania.

The ministers push for reconsidering the definition of "safe third countries" in EU asylum law and for expedited deportation procedures for immigrants who are ineligible for refuge.

This reevaluation would increase deportations and provide pathways for transferring asylum applicants to their transit or safe haven nations. The organization also demands the creation of a European list of safe non-EU nations.

The letter of these 15 countries demonstrates their dedication to preserving the EU's stability, social cohesiveness, and togetherness. They emphasize that a strong strategy for managing migration is required since the flood of unauthorized immigrants puts a burden on resources intended for those who are seeking asylum lawfully.

As member states' fears have grown, Europe has seen a hardening of its position on immigration in recent years. Political discourse remains dominated by the issue of migration as the continent gets ready for essential elections to the European Union.

These countries' recommendations highlight the EU's intricate issues and differing opinions regarding migrant relocation and asylum laws.

FAQS

Are there any specific criteria for determining safe third countries?

While many other criteria are used to identify safe third countries, they typically include political stability, human rights safeguards, and compliance with international migration regulations. These requirements guarantee that those seeking refuge are transferred to locations where their rights and safety are respected.

How does this proposal align with broader EU migration policies?

This plan aligns with more general EU immigration policies that seek to balance humanitarian duties and security considerations. It reflects the EU's continuous efforts to create all-encompassing and long-lasting methods of managing migration.