Nancy Faeser Advocates for Stricter EU Rules on Deportations

The German Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, has called for expedited processes for the deportation of rejected asylum seekers at the European level. Speaking at the outset of an EU interior ministers' meeting in Brussels, she emphasized the necessity for a rapid revision of the EU Return Directive, remarking that an effective return system is essential for the EU.

Faeser expressed her approval that the European Commission is set to present a new proposal for amending the directive next week. She stated that individuals without the right to remain in the EU must be returned to their home countries. The minister highlighted the need for simplifying and speeding up deportation procedures, recommending the avoidance of bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of promoting voluntary returns, particularly for individuals from Syria.

In her remarks, Faeser also addressed the fair distribution of refugees from Ukraine. She noted that the 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees currently in Germany will continue to find safety there. However, she warned that should Russian President Vladimir Putin escalate the ongoing war against Ukraine and if U.S. support diminishes, it could lead to a significant new wave of refugees. In such a scenario, Faeser insisted that the responsibility for Ukrainian refugees in Europe must be shared among member states through a binding and equitable mechanism, as a large number of these refugees have so far been taken in by only a few EU countries.

During the Brussels meeting, Faeser plans to discuss the implementation of a new electronic border control system known as the Entry-Exit System (EES), which aims to improve the tracking of entries and exits by third-country nationals. She stated that Germany is prepared to adopt the EES and expressed hope for swift implementation. The rollout of the system has faced multiple delays, with the latest target set for November 2024, although Germany, France, and the Netherlands had not been ready at that time due to concerns over insufficient practical testing.

Faeser reiterated the need for the system to be secure and reliable, stating that significant work has gone into its development and she is confident in achieving a prompt rollout. The EES has been announced for introduction this year on its official website. However, human rights organizations and EU data protection advocates have raised ongoing concerns regarding the Commission's plans.