Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels (dpa) –Representatives of EU member states and the European Parliament early on Thursday reached an agreement on new rules allowing member states to deport asylum seekers to “safe third countries.”
The agreement would allow sending an asylum applicant to a non-EU country deemed safe, even if they have no prior connection to it, for instance where an agreement or arrangement exists between the third country and the EU state.
Previously, asylum seekers were required to have a close link to such a country such as family ties or a previous extended stay there.
Asylum seekers could be deported to countries they have never visited and with which they have no family, cultural, or other ties. However, for unaccompanied minors, an exception demanded by EU states remains in place: a connection to the country to which they are being deported will continue to be a required condition.
Right-wing push
The agreement must still be formally adopted before it can take effect, though this is generally seen as a formality as negotiators have already agreed on a compromise.
The European Parliament cleared the way for negotiations on Wednesday, with a right-leaning majority voting in favour. Most of the support came from centre-right and right-wing lawmakers.
The issue of requiring a personal or legal link to a third country was already debated last year during negotiations on reforming the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). It was ultimately decided that the link would remain a mandatory condition, but be subject to review after a certain period.
“Thousands of migrants are drowning in the Mediterranean Sea or are abused by human smugglers who earn fortunes at their expense,” said Danish Immigration Minister Rasmus Stoklund. “It is crucial that we take action to halt the pull factors that maintain an unhealty and inhuman system.” (18 December)
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