EU Leader Proposes Shift in Approach for Migrant Policies within the Union
Berlin - European Affairs Minister Michael Roth (SPD) has advocated for a shift in the EU's migration policy, emphasizing the necessity of reliable partnerships with countries of origin, transit, and destination, including Turkey, despite current tensions. In a guest article for the "Welt" (Monday edition), Roth stated that close cooperation with additional transit countries in Europe's vicinity, especially in North Africa and the Western Balkans, is paramount.
In the upcoming reform of EU migration policy, Roth underscores the importance of deciding at the external borders who has a chance for recognition and who does not. Furthermore, this entails that those who do not possess a valid claim for protection must be returned promptly. A fair European asylum system, Roth argues, should be based on an equitable distribution of people among EU member states. Those skeptical about temporarily accommodating refugees ought to contribute in other ways, such as monetary contributions, personnel deployment, or involvement in development cooperation and humanitarian aid. No one should be allowed to disregard their responsibility, Roth maintains.
According to information from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Meijers Committee’s EU Migration Update, the EU's migration policy in 2025 is shaped by several key priorities, including strengthening migration and asylum frameworks, border security, addressing root causes and reintegration, shifts in policy paradigms, and broader EU-Africa migration cooperation. The EU is working towards creating a more comprehensive and unified migration system through the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, developing more effective return systems, and concentrating on border defense with enhanced Frontex capabilities. Additionally, the EU is pursuing initiatives like conditionality, which involves linking EU funding and visa policies to cooperation from third countries on migration management.
- Europe's general news outlets are likely to report on the proposed EU migration policy reform, highlighting Minister Michael Roth's emphasis on external border control, equitable asylum distribution, and partnerships with countries like Turkey and those in North Africa and the Western Balkans.
- Amidst discussions of future migration policy, there's growing focus on policy paradigm shifts, particularly in the areas of border security, root cause addressments, reintegration, and EU-Africa migration cooperation, as outlined by the European External Action Service and the Meijers Committee.
- The ongoing migration debate in politics includes discussions about the responsibilities of EU member states, withcontroversies surrounding temporary refugee accommodation contrasted with suggestions for contributions via monetary means, personnel deployment, development cooperation, and humanitarian aid, as advocated by Minister Roth.
