The European Union took a significant step toward adopting a Trump-like approach to migration when the EuroParliament approved a new law March 26 expanding the power of security agencies to track, detain and deport migrants. Amnesty International criticized the revised “Return Regulation” as “punitive” and a threat to fundamental rights. The law also allows for people to be deported to countries other than their country of origin—a controversial policy used by the Trump administration. Greece, an EU member, is even working directly with US officials to ramp up deportations.
In related news, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that he and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa hope to see 80% of Syrian refugees in Germany return to Syria in the coming three years. Merz’s call for Syrians to “go back to their homeland,” which came after his meeting with al-Sharaa in Berlin, drew condemnation from human rights monitors who pointed to continued violence and insecurity in Syria. (TNH, Jurist)
Photo: Sara Creta/TNH
European push for stronger deportation powers delayed
Negotiators for European Union member states and members of the European Parliament temporarily ended three rounds of talks May 21, failing to reach agreement over a implementation of a controversial law aimed at increasing the power to deport rejected asylum seekers. The bill paves the way for what critics call “ICE-style” raids on private residences and “other relevant premises,” longer detention periods, and the establishment of so-called “return hubs” in third countries.
Despite coming under heavy criticism by rights groups, the European push for greater deportation powers appears to be a question of when, not if: The negotiations stalled over when the provisional law would come into force, rather than questions of substance. Negotiations are set to resume on June 1. Meanwhile, on May 15, all 46 member states of the Council of Europe—which includes all EU member states—signed on to a political declaration that critics fear will weaken legal protections for migrants, and make it easier for states to carry out deportations. (TNH)