European Parliament greenlights talks on migrant return hubs outside EU
Talks between parliament, European Council are expected to begin shortly
BRUSSELS
The European Parliament on Thursday approved the launch of negotiations with member states on a new legal framework governing the return of migrants without the right to remain in the EU.
Lawmakers voted 389 in favor, 206 against and 32 abstentions to move to the next stage of the legislative process aimed at updating the EU’s common system for returning irregular migrants, according to a statement.
The proposed legislation seeks to streamline and strengthen procedures for returning migrants who do not have legal grounds to stay in the EU, the statement said.
It would allow for the establishment of centers, also known as return hubs, outside EU borders where migrants whose asylum applications were rejected could be sent.
Some EU member states, including Spain and France, have questioned the effectiveness of such centers, while the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned they could operate with limited oversight and insufficient safeguards for migrants’ rights.
The reform also contemplates harsher penalties for migrants who refuse to leave the EU.
Its safe third country concept would allow member states to reject asylum applications as inadmissible if applicants could have sought and, if eligible, received protection in a non-EU country considered safe.
A coalition of more than 70 rights groups warned in February that the reform could lead to tougher enforcement practices resembling those used by US immigration authorities.
"This would consolidate a punitive system, fueled by far-right rhetoric and based on racialized suspicion, denunciation, detention and deportation," the coalition said in a statement.
It also warned the reforms could undermine fundamental rights protections by increasing the criminalization of migrants based on their administrative status.
Dutch lawmaker Malik Azmani will lead the parliament’s negotiating team in upcoming talks with the EU Council.
The first round of negotiations with the rotating presidency, currently held by the Greek Cypriot Administration, is expected to begin shortly.
Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.
