European Parliament backs tougher migration rules with far-right support
The European Parliament on Wednesday approved two key texts aimed at tightening EU migration policy. The measures were backed not only by mainstream groups but also by the far-right Patriots for Europe and ESN, as well as the right-wing nationalist ECR group.
One of the texts would allow member states to return asylum seekers to countries they did not originate from but which are considered "safe". The second gives the green light to an EU list of "safe countries" of origin, enabling asylum applications from nationals of those countries to be processed under an accelerated procedure and, where appropriate, rejected more quickly. The initial list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, Tunisia and Kosovo.
Member states had already approved the texts earlier this month. Negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council are now set to begin, with sources indicating that a final agreement could be reached as early as Wednesday evening.
Separately, Denmark on Wednesday renewed its push for the creation of so-called return hubs, centres outside the EU where migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected could be sent. In a joint appeal to the European Commission, Denmark and 18 other countries, including Belgium, called for a legal framework to allow such hubs and for the possibility of co-financing them with EU funds.
European countries are increasingly pressing for tougher migration rules. Earlier this month, 27 countries, including Belgium, called on the Council of Europe to review the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that it no longer adequately reflects today’s migration challenges.
PHOTO © FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
Related news
