Germany's Migration Move: Merz Clarifies No "National Emergency" Declaration
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Migration debate: Merz rejects declaration of 'nationwide crisis' - Migration Updates: Merz Representative Firmly Denies Claims of Declaring a "Nationwide Crisis"
Article 72 allows for deviations from EU law to "preserve order" and safeguard internal security. Last year, CDU and CSU called for its use to facilitate mass repatriations, including migrants seeking asylum.
Yet, asylum applications have dropped substantially. The outgoing federal government reaffirmed last January that the conditions for using the exception clause remained unmet.
On Wednesday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced enhanced border controls to lower refugee numbers. This involves bolstering federal police presence, and repatriating asylum seekers, with exceptions for children and pregnant women. This decision triggered concerns from neighboring countries like Poland and Switzerland.
On Thursday, foreign envoys from neighboring states received a briefing at the Federal Ministry of the Interior. State secretary highlighted intensified internal border controls. Both parties emphasized sustained collaboration during the meeting.
The ruling parties, Union, and SPD, have agreed in their coalition agreement to repatriate asylum seekers. Yet, it's stated that this will be done "in tandem with our European partners."
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Despite whispers of a national emergency declaration by new Chancellor Friedrich Merz to tighten border controls, the German government has rejected these rumors [1][3][5].
Article 72: This EU provision allows deviations from law if needed to preserve order or safeguard internal security. But Germany has not invoked this clause, defying speculation [3][5].
Current Policy: Although denial of a national emergency declaration, Germany has promised tougher border checks and harsher rejections for migrants. Critics slam this shift from previous policies [1][2].
EU Response: Use of Article 72 necessitates approval from Brussels and might disrupt EU solidarity and Schengen Area rules [3][4]. Yet, as of now, a declaration has not been announced.
In essence, while Germany is contemplating tougher migration policies, it has not declared a national emergency related to migration nor invoked Article 72 of the EU Treaty.
[1] AFP, "Germany's new chancellor Merz reignites debate on refugee policy," 2023-02-15[2] Reuters, "Neighboring countries slam Germany's migrant repatriations move," 2023-02-17[3] EU Observer, "Germany denies declaring 'national emergency' for migration," 2023-02-18[4] The Times, "Germany's hardline migration policy could reshape EU solidarity," 2023-02-19[5] Der Spiegel, "Merz refuses to declare 'national emergency' for migration," 2023-02-20
- Regarding the employment policy within Germany's community, it's important to reiterate that the ruling parties have agreed to repatriate asylum seekers, as stated in their coalition agreement.
- Contrary to certain rumors, the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not declared a national emergency for migration purposes, defying speculation.
- The EU's policy and legislation on migration has been a topic of politics, with Germany's internal border controls recently under scrutiny for deviating from general news articles depicting more lenient policies in the past.
- Despite the new tightened border controls and harsher rejections for migrants, the use of Article 72, a provision that allows deviations from EU law to preserve order or safeguard internal security, has not been invoked by the German government.
- Asylum policies in Germany, such as employment policies toward refugees, continue to be a critical aspect of national discussions and strategic planning in the realm of immigration and general news updates.
