EU Proposes New Legislation to Expedite Deportations of Asylum Seekers

The European Union is set to introduce new legislation aimed at streamlining the process of deporting rejected asylum seekers. This initiative comes in response to increasing calls from various member states for stricter measures to facilitate the removal of individuals who are obligated to leave the EU.

Current statistics indicate that only about 20% of those required to return to their home countries actually do so, primarily due to the refusal of some nations to accept their citizens or prolonged legal processes. The EU Commission aims to address these challenges with a framework designed to enhance efficiency and ensure greater compliance with return orders.

Key features of the proposed legislation include mandatory cooperation from rejected applicants in the deportation process. Non-compliance could result in significant consequences, as indicated by Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner responsible for this initiative. Additionally, the draft legislation may introduce heightened regulations for individuals deemed to pose security risks, potentially including detention measures to facilitate their deportations.

Another critical aspect of the proposal is the mutual recognition of return decisions across EU member states. This means that deportation orders issued in one country would be valid in others, preventing individuals from circumventing the process by relocating to different EU nations.

The concept of establishing return centers may also be part of the new legislation. These centers, located outside the EU, would accommodate migrants who have been deported or are awaiting return to their home countries, with the goal of simplifying the deportation process and deterring re-entry into Europe.

However, the controversial 'Albania Model' from Italy, which involves housing migrants awaiting asylum decisions in third countries, is unlikely to be included in the Commission's proposal. This model has faced significant legal challenges and scrutiny, leading to its reconsideration by various judicial bodies.

EU Commissioner Brunner emphasizes that the proposed return plans represent a necessary complement to the existing asylum and migration pact. Many member states view the recently adopted EU asylum reform as insufficient to address current challenges, particularly as its implementation may extend until mid-2026.

The reform seeks to establish uniform procedures at external borders to quickly determine the validity of asylum claims, thereby allowing for the prompt removal of those whose applications are deemed unfounded.

The timeline for the implementation of this new legislation remains uncertain. Following the presentation of the draft by Commissioner Brunner, it will require approval from both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, with the schedule for enactment depending on the negotiations among EU institutions.