Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.EU member states reach breakthrough in dispute over asylum reform
Brussels (dpa) – The EU member states have reached a breakthrough after weeks of dispute about a core element of the planned asylum reform. As the Spanish EU presidency announced on the X platform on Wednesday, a joint position was found on the proposals of the EU Commission on the controversial crisis regulation. The German government claimed part of the success at the compromise for itself, although there had been no progress on the plans for a long time due to German concerns.
The crisis regulation could, for example, be used to extend the period during which people can be held in detention-like conditions in the event of a particularly sharp increase in migration. In addition, the group of people eligible for the planned strict border procedures could be enlarged. In general, the plans for the reform of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum include numerous additions and tightenings to limit unwanted migration.
With regard to the crisis regulation, the Greens within the German government in particular had humanitarian concerns. They feared that protection standards for refugees could be lowered too much. After pressure from partner countries increased, Berlin gave up its resistance last week. According to German government sources, Chancellor Olaf Scholz had informally exercised his authority to issue directives and ordered that opposition to the crisis regulation be abandoned. After the agreement on Wednesday, Scholz spoke of a “historic turning point”.
Last week, it initially looked like there would be movement in the dispute over the crisis regulation, but Italy objected because of the role of private sea rescue organizations in the Mediterranean. However, Rome now also agreed to the compromise in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States. According to diplomats, the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni pushed to delete a phrase that was supposed to prohibit the use of crisis measures after the arrival of many migrants through sea rescue operations.
Hungary and Poland voted against the draft crisis regulation, saying the proposals were not strict enough for them. However, the necessary majority was still reached. Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia abstained.
Even though there were only minor concessions to Germany, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock hailed the agreement as a success. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser explained that important changes had been implemented on Germany’s initiative. In the end, however, Germany was only able to push through few changes to the original proposal. This is considered bitter for the Greens in particular, because they once again had to support decisions that they did not want to accept initially.
Following the agreement at the level of the member states, an understanding on the reform with the European Parliament is to be reached as quickly as possible now. Time is short: projects that have not been negotiated with the member states by the time of the European elections in June 2024 could subsequently be called into question again and be delayed for a long time. In the case of the planned reform of the asylum system, this would be a particularly major setback. Work on the project has been ongoing for years. Right-wing parties such as the AfD in particular have long accused the EU of failing in the fight against irregular migration. (October 4)
Metsola: The European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans
Brussels (FENA) – The European future of the Western Balkans was an essential geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and reunited Europe based on common values, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in a statement.
She believes that the European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans and that enlargement is the most powerful geopolitical tool for the European Union. Metsola stated that enlargement was a strategic, long-term geopolitical investment in Europe’s peace, security, stability and prosperity, as well as a win-win situation.
“The transformative effect of enlargement is undeniable. The potential of EU membership provides a significant impetus for the changes that are necessary to improve governance, strengthen the rule of law, promote media freedom and create an appropriate climate for the flourishing of civil society,” Metsola said.
She emphasized that the war in Ukraine had the side effect of accelerating the enlargement process, and she did not agree with opinions that there was no clear political will of the European Union to expand to the Western Balkans.
“I do not agree that there is a lack of political will. This is a process, and candidacy depends on the country’s reform progress. We look forward to the European Commission’s presentation of the October enlargement package. However, the position of the European Parliament is clear – if the prerequisites are met, negotiations on EU membership should begin,” Metsola stated.
Speaking about the security challenges in the Western Balkan countries, and considering the constant political turmoil, Metsola said that what was happening in the Balkans affected the entire continent.
“The first and most important priority is de-escalation and stabilization of security in the area. There are two recent events of concern, namely the attack on September 24 and the discovery of a huge weapons depot in northern Kosovo. We have also noticed the accumulation of the Serbian army at the administrative border, which is worrying and must be stopped immediately,” she said.
As Metsola emphasizes, there is no place on the European continent for the accumulation of weapons and security forces.
“The efforts of the European Union are aimed at all actors, on both sides, to contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis. The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is important and the EU is very active in it,” she concluded. (October 5)
With migration in the background, the EU reflects on its future at Granada meeting
Brussels (EFE) – The heads of state and government of the EU are meeting in the Spanish city of Granada this Thursday to reflect on the future of the bloc. On Friday, there will also be meetings with other countries. Discussion on a potential expansion of the participants to the forum will be on the agenda. By request of the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, migration will also be discussed at the meeting.
The countries aim to discuss how to face geostrategic challenges, both current and in the coming decades. They will discuss those issues with partners from the European Political Community, such as Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Turkey and the Western Balkans.
After its inaugural meeting in Prague (Czech Republic) and the second in Chisinau (Moldova), the forum, which aims to emphasize the isolation of Vladimir Putin’s Russia, especially after its aggression against Ukraine, will hold its third meeting in Granada, bringing together 51 delegations. (October 4)
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