Group of European ministers discusses tightening asylum policy

In Munich, interior ministers from several EU countries met to find ways to return rejected asylum seekers to third countries more efficiently, reports EUobserver.

The discussion focused on so-called “return centers” outside Europe and deepening cooperation with third countries. Countries such as Germany also want to push ahead with the planned reform of the EU asylum system, which is due to come into force next summer.

The Netherlands has already signed a memorandum with Uganda to send migrants from neighboring countries whose asylum applications have been rejected there. Belgium is considering contacting the Taliban to enable the repatriation of Afghans with criminal pasts.

At the same time, the European Commission is pursuing a new approach: aid to third countries should be conditional on their taking back their citizens. This “uncompromising approach to repatriation” was also reaffirmed at the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen.

(mja)