In a letter addressed to EU leaders ahead of an upcoming two-day summit in Brussels, where migration is anticipated to be a key focus, von der Leyen outlined several proposals aimed at reducing the number of asylum applications. Last year, the EU recorded approximately 1,140,000 asylum claims, prompting the need for measures to combat irregular border crossings and human smuggling. The proposals indicate a marked shift toward more conservative stances within the context of Europe’s migration discourse.
Among the proposed measures is a clear call to develop “innovative ways” to manage asylum processes, a phrase often linked to offshoring practices. This is exemplified by Italy’s recent collaboration with Albania, where the right-wing government under Giorgia Meloni has established two centers designed to transfer male migrants rescued at sea by Italian authorities. Von der Leyen previously lauded this Italy-Albania protocol as “out-of-the-box thinking.” In her latest communication, she emphasized that the outcomes of this agreement, which has faced substantial criticism from humanitarian organizations for compromising the asylum process and diminishing judicial oversight, will influence the future direction of EU migration policy.
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In her letter, von der Leyen also advocates for the designation of “safe third countries” at the EU level to mitigate disagreements among member states and expedite the deportation process, which has remained frustratingly stagnant, with return rates fluctuating between 20% and 30%. This slow progress has re-energized the migration issue in political discussions, particularly after the bloc recently finalized a challenging reform.
A coalition of 17 European countries recently submitted a document to the Commission calling for a “paradigm shift” regarding deportations, asserting that governments need to be empowered in this area. They emphasized the need for accountability for individuals without the right to remain, advocating for a new legal framework that clearly outlines their obligations and responsibilities, along with repercussions for non-cooperation.
Von der Leyen’s response in her letter appears to directly address the demands from this group. She promises to propose legislation that would establish clear cooperative obligations for returnees and effectively streamline the return process, emphasizing the importance of digitalization and mutual recognition of decisions made by member states.
The president is in alignment with two key demands from the coalition of 17 countries. First, she supports new regulations for the detention and expulsion of individuals deemed a threat to public order and safety. Second, she endorses using visa and trade policies as tools to persuade non-EU countries to accept their citizens after their asylum applications are rejected, addressing one of the main challenges contributing to the low return rates.
Von der Leyen stresses that the EU’s migration policy can only achieve sustainability if those without the right to remain are effectively returned to their countries of origin. Additional proposals outlined by the president include the negotiation of more EU-funded agreements with neighboring countries, similar to those already established with Tunisia and Egypt. She also suggests implementing stricter measures to combat human trafficking, enhancing responses to hybrid attacks and instrumentalization, and increasing humanitarian assistance for war-affected regions in the Middle East.
Furthermore, von der Leyen emphasizes that any initiatives pursued by the EU must adhere to its principles and values, comply with international law, and protect fundamental rights while ensuring “sustainable and fair solutions” for migrants. This stance is particularly significant given that numerous NGOs have raised concerns that offshoring migration processes could undermine the fundamental right of individuals to seek asylum within jurisdictions where they are located, as well as the fair examination of such claims.
Von der Leyen’s letter coincided with the European Commission’s disapproval of Poland’s recent announcement regarding a “temporary territorial suspension of the right to asylum.” This development occurs within a politically charged environment, as various governments increasingly assertively pursue strategies to reduce migration flows.
In summary, the European Commission’s new approach under von der Leyen signifies a dramatic shift toward stricter migration controls, potentially reshaping how the EU handles asylum seekers and challenges related to migration in the region.
