Germany’s reservations prevented the EU states from positioning themselves on part of the planned reform of the EU asylum system in the summer. Now the European Parliament is blocking it in return.
The European Parliament has announced a blockage in negotiations on the planned reform of the EU asylum system. The move on Wednesday was justified by the fact that the governments of the member states have not yet taken a position on a controversial area of the planned reform. Until this has happened, negotiations on two other areas should not be continued.
Germany’s permanent representative to the EU was critical of the MPs’ actions. “We regret the European Parliament’s decision to block negotiations on EU asylum reform,” said Ambassador Michael Clauß in Brussels. “The talks must continue as quickly as possible – especially given the dramatic situation in the Mediterranean. Every day counts in finding a common European solution.”
Federal government under pressure
Clauß did not comment on the reason for the blockade – possibly because it increases the pressure on the federal government. In July, these were partly responsible for the fact that the EU states were unable to agree on a position in the controversial area. This is about the so-called crisis regulation.
The proposal for the new crisis regulation provides for longer deadlines for registering asylum requests at the external borders, as well as the possibility of lowering standards for accommodation and care.
In addition, according to the Council’s ideas, those seeking protection in crisis situations should be obliged to stay in reception centers near the border for longer than twelve weeks. The federal government fears that standards will be lowered too much. In countries like Poland and Hungary, however, the proposed exemptions do not go far enough.
European elections in June
The delays are particularly explosive because of the approaching European elections in June 2024. Projects that have not been negotiated with the governments of the member states by then could then 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 big setback. The project has been in the works for years. It is also intended to help limit illegal migration.
Source: Stern
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