The plan is for deportations of people who have entered illegally to be simpler and faster in the future. Additionally, entry bans can be imposed after deportations, and detention is planned for individuals who pose a security threat. The controversial return centers would be feasible with this new deportation law.

Proposal for EU Deportation Law Addresses Criticism

"Return hubs" in third countries should only be possible in cases where a return order has already been issued. According to the draft, corresponding agreements can be made with a third country that respects international human rights standards and principles. The centers would operate under very strict conditions, said Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen at the press conference on Tuesday. The proposal thus addresses the massive criticism from NGOs and human rights organizations.

A current return rate in the EU of only 20 percent and different systems in individual EU states would encourage abuse, according to the EU Commission. "Returns must be a priority," said Virkkunen. The new law is intended to strictly differentiate between those who live and work legally in Europe and those who do not have the right to do so. It is supposed to be even stricter for those who have committed crimes and pose a security risk. Individuals who pose a threat should not simply be allowed to move freely in public, Brunner added at the press conference.

EU Deportation Law: Early Assessment of Security Risks

According to the proposal, member states should in the future have to assess early on whether a person poses a security risk. Once these individuals are identified, strict rules such as forced return, longer entry bans, and separate detention grounds apply to them. Detention can be extended beyond the normal 24 months by judicial order, according to the Commission.

The approach is a "fair but relentless migration policy," Brunner continued. It is unacceptable "if people who do not have the right to stay exploit this." Brunner announced plans to "dry up the dirty business of smugglers." The proposal creates an EU-wide return system. It must be clear that someone with a return order must leave not only the country but also the entire EU. Deportation orders issued by one EU country should automatically apply in other member states in the future.

An "EU return order" is intended to ensure that apprehended illegal migrants can be sent back directly from the EU country where they were last apprehended. This should make the return process faster and prevent the illegal migrants from "disappearing" again. Problems often arise here with the definition of the "safe third country" to which they can be returned and whether this country will even accept the individuals. Brunner announced an EU concept for safe third countries by June 2025.

Returnees Must Cooperate More Closely According to EU Deportation Law

Returnees will have to cooperate more closely with the authorities in the future. If they do not, severe consequences are threatened. Mentioned here are the reduction or cancellation of benefits or the confiscation of travel documents. At the same time, incentives for cooperation, including support for voluntary return, are to be strengthened.

The EU's Return Directive regulates the return of people from third countries who are illegally residing in the EU. The current directive was adopted in 2008. Its revision is one of the core projects of Ursula von der Leyen's Commission, and the first major task for former Austrian Finance Minister Brunner. "This regulation is still a missing element of the Pact on Asylum and Migration," said the Commissioner. The Commission's proposal must be adopted by the EU Parliament and the Council of Member States before it can take effect. Both Virkkunen and Brunner hope for a swift agreement.

Praise and Criticism for Tougher EU Deportation Law

"Illegal migrants must be deported quickly and consistently. Commissioner Magnus Brunner's proposal for a new return regulation is therefore a step in the right direction," welcomed Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) the proposal. "All measures that actually work to accelerate returns and support Austria in the fight against illegal migration are to be endorsed." Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) stated that only with return and deportation centers outside Europe could criminals and threats be quickly removed from the country. "This proposal by Commissioner Brunner is therefore fully to be supported and must also be implemented quickly and consistently."

Brunner also received applause from the ÖVP Members of the European Parliament. Delegation leader Reinhold Lopatka pointed out to journalists in the morning Eurostat figures, according to which 480,000 people should have left the EU, but only 100,000 actually did. "Anyone who claims there is no need for action is completely out of touch with reality!" Member Lukas Mandl later stated in a press release: "The speed with which the new EU Commission has brought this proposal to the table is remarkable. That deserves recognition." The implementation of the Commission's proposal will "help to put an end to organized crime in the field of human trafficking," said Mandl, who had previously co-negotiated the asylum and migration package in the European Parliament and will now participate in the negotiations on the current proposal as a member of the Home Affairs Committee.

"Anything that improves the cooperation of member states in this area is to be welcomed," said SP delegation leader Andreas Schieder in the morning. Whether a new legal initiative is actually needed for this, he could not judge. Detention centers, however, could "also bring fundamental rights issues with them." Thomas Waitz of the Greens was more explicit: "Deportation centers in third countries are not compatible with EU human and fundamental rights! Other solutions are needed for this - but within the EU." There is a need for the implementation of previous agreements instead of show politics and token actions.

While Anna Stürgkh of the NEOS found it fundamentally positive that a joint European initiative should replace national solo efforts, the assessment by Petra Steger (FPÖ) was devastating: "I can only say: Not sufficient, try again! This will not bring about the necessary change in trend!" Migrants who are illegally residing in the EU will not be removed from the EU with this regulation.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.