EU ministers approve new rules to tackle irregular migration
EU interior ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a regulation allowing return hubs outside the bloc, while Greece proposed temporarily suspending asylum applications during emergencies.
European Union interior ministers gathered in Luxembourg on Thursday to discuss stronger border controls and ways to curb undocumented migration into the 27-member bloc. Following the talks, they approved a new regulation aimed at boosting deportations, allowing member states to establish so-called return hubs outside the EU for migrants legally required to leave but who cannot be sent back to their countries of origin.
Several countries, including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands, have been exploring such migrant centers. Danish Interior Minister Morten Bodskov said progress was being made but gave no further details. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed preliminary talks were underway, though he declined to name the countries involved, stressing that any agreement needed to withstand possible legal challenges. He expressed hope a first deal could be reached by year's end. Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said a technical mission had already visited a potential host country in early September.
Greece proposes suspending asylum process
On Thursday, Greece proposed temporarily suspending asylum applications during emergency situations, arguing current rules are inadequate for handling mass arrivals such as those seen in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta this summer. Spanish authorities estimate more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July; most have since left, but around 10,000 remain.
The proposal drew support from several member states, including the Netherlands, whose migration minister argued such situations should be treated as a border management issue rather than an asylum matter. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said Europe needs the means to protect its borders at all times while insisting fundamental rights would always be respected. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the Commission will propose an emergency tool for handling mass migration movements, and there are also plans to strengthen the EU's border agency, Frontex, including giving it a rapid intervention capability.
