“More returns to countries of entry” – Corriere.it

from our reporter
BRUSSELS – There is an issue that divides the European Union more than reform of the Stability Pact: immigration. Because, as a European diplomat noted on several occasions, When it comes to immigration, the domestic policies of 27 countries are brought up. Reform of the Schengen Borders Act, which sets out the rules that allow people to cross EU countries without border controls and which also applies to external borders, So it is very sensitive, because it overlaps with secondary migration (travel from one EU country to another to apply for asylum).

Except for last minute thoughts, Tomorrow the EU Commission will discuss the revision of the Schengen border lawThe EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and the Vice-President of the Commission responsible for migration, Margaritis Schinas, are working on it. The proposal contains some politically sensitive elements including Promote the return of illegal immigrants to countries of first entry, which is unlikely to agree with Italy and other countries such as Spain.

The presentation was already scheduled for the 1st of December and then postponed. The text that was distributed to the bathrooms on Friday morning only for the first afternoon confrontation, will be discussed today at the meeting of heads of government and It also raised doubts within the authority, starting from the timing. One of the cornerstones, as Schinas announced a few days ago, is the introduction of Definition of a mixed attack To give legal value to the “exploitation” of migrants and asylum seekers, We have seen In recent weeks on the borders between Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus, where the dictator Alexander Lukashenko used immigrants as a “weapon” to destabilize the European Union, first by luring them with deception for a better future in Europe and then forcing them to cross the border armored by Polish soldiers.

It is a tragic situation, which led the Commission on December 1 to Propose a series of temporary measures Regarding asylum and return to help the three countries. A proposal that sparked criticism, and there are those who saw the waiver of the right of asylum to protect the fortress of Europe. Now it will actually be legalized. The new proposal, which is based on the premise Prevent EU countries from re-imposing border controls if not necessary (currently in effect in six countries), and also aims to promote the return of illegal immigrants to countries of first entry.

Essential theme for countries like France, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium who face the largest number of asylum applications in Europe. The clash between first entry and destination states: The former demands the solidarity that the latter thinks they are already offering. The reason for the suspension of negotiations on the new Immigration and Asylum Pact. Schengen will be used to meet these countries. It is no coincidence that French President Emmanuel Macron, in his presentation of the program for the French Presidency of the European Union that will start on January 1, Schengen reform has been a priority.

In France in April there are presidential elections The game will also be played upon migration. “Protecting our borders is a prerequisite for ensuring the security of Europeans, facing the challenges of migration and avoiding the tragedies we have experienced,” Macron said. Avoid “abuse” of the right to asylum in EuropeUnder this presidency, we will start reforming the Schengen area. A comprehensive approach to the issue of immigration, as it has been addressed, is fundamental to Italy In the new compact for migration in order to combine responsibility and responsibility. The divisive text arrives two days before the European Council.