A consortium of 19 EU countries, spearheaded by the Czech Republic and Italy, is advocating for a robust stance on migration, proposing that migrants arriving in Europe via small
boats be relocated abroad while their asylum claims are evaluated. This move comes amidst the UK's advancement of its Rwanda deportation initiative.
In a letter addressed to the EU Commission, scheduled for dispatch on Wednesday, the nations are anticipated to urge the bloc to engage in agreements with non-member states, particularly those in Africa, to facilitate the processing of asylum seekers.
Government sources suggest that this demand reflects a growing trend of other countries following the UK's lead in combatting illegal migration. However, the letter is expected to affirm the signatories' adherence to European human rights law, thereby distancing themselves from the Rwanda deportation plan.
The consortium aims for the commission to consider these proposals following the upcoming European elections in early June. Plans entail initially approaching "immediate neighbors" for potential asylum deals, prioritizing countries in North Africa. Additionally, the proposal aims to broaden the definition of safe countries of origin and mitigate the misuse of migration as a hybrid weapon against the EU.
During a public address, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and Italy emphasized the need for offshore processing of asylum seekers as a pivotal measure in managing migration flows.
The proposed scheme draws inspiration from an existing pact between Italy and Albania, which allows for offshore processing of asylum claims. This agreement, ratified by both countries' parliaments, entails redirecting intercepted migrants at sea to detention centers in Albania, with successful applicants resettled in Italy.
Contrary to the UK's Rwanda plan, which focuses on deporting asylum seekers upon their arrival in Britain, the proposed EU scheme seeks to process migrants abroad before they reach European shores.
Despite differences in approach, the call for a stringent borders strategy within the EU underscores a global trend towards addressing mass migration challenges. Government sources assert that similar solutions are gaining traction worldwide, emphasizing the rationale behind the UK's plan. Photo by SteveRwanda, Wikimedia commons.