The EU's ongoing negotiations on a plan to increase the number of failed asylum seekers leaving the bloc are a crucial step towards a more robust and controlled migration policy. This move, championed by Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, is seen as the 'missing piece' in the puzzle of EU migration reform. The current rate of failed asylum seekers leaving the EU is around 20%, but recent figures suggest it's higher, at over 25%. This low rate has been a talking point for politicians advocating for stricter measures, as it indicates a lack of control over who crosses the bloc's external borders. The proposed deal, if approved, will introduce stricter rules for those considered a security threat, including the possibility of detention, long entry bans, and penalties for non-cooperation. It will also empower countries to send individuals ordered to leave to 'return hubs' outside the EU, a move that has been described as an 'innovative solution' by Brunner and national migration ministers. However, this plan is not without controversy. NGOs warn that these hubs could become lawless offshore detention centers, with a lack of detail on their location and monitoring risking human rights abuses and further disorder at Europe's borders. The plan has also divided the European Parliament, with the center-right EPP securing the Parliament's negotiating position with the support of right-wing groups, sparking outrage among some MEPs. The EPP's willingness to forge majorities with right-wing parties has raised concerns about the potential for far-right influence in European decision-making. Critics argue that a functional migration system should include the removal of individuals without the right to stay, but the devil is in the details. Open questions remain regarding ties with non-EU entities, recognition of return orders from other countries, and the timing of the reform's implementation. If a deal is reached on Wednesday, it will still need the approval of the Council and the Parliament, adding another layer of complexity to this contentious issue. The EU's migration reform is a complex and controversial topic, with a wide range of opinions and concerns. It is a critical issue that requires a balanced approach, addressing both security and human rights concerns, and finding a solution that is both effective and fair.
