Recommendation for a Radiation Safety Directive for Workers also Requested by Commission
Tension Brewing in German Coalition over Border Control Policies
The ruling coalition in Germany is embroiled in a heated dispute regarding border control policies, following a recent decision by the Berlin Administrative Court. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) remains steadfast in his commitment to strengthen border controls, while SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch advocates for a change in policy in response to the court's ruling.
On Monday, the Berlin Administrative Court deemed the rejection of three Somali asylum seekers at the Frankfurt (Oder) station as unlawful. The court held that without clarification of which EU country is responsible for processing their asylum applications, they cannot be turned away. The three Somalis are now residing in Berlin.
Dobrindt Seeks European Court of Justice Intervention
"This is an individual ruling," Dobrindt stated. He explained that the court deemed the justification for applying Article 72 – an exception in European law – as insufficient. Dobrindt pledged to provide a sufficient justification, but added that the European Court of Justice should decide on the matter. According to the president of the Berlin Administrative Court, Erna Victoria Xalter, the court's decision is final and binding, and she anticipates further rejections at other borders to be checked by other courts.
Miersch Anticipates Review of Previous Practice
Miersch believes the court's decision raises fundamental questions that the black-red government will need to address. "The Chancellor (Friedrich Merz) has also very clearly stated that, in light of this judicial decision, the practice must be reviewed again," Miersch stated. He believes that if the government fails to take action, they will face more cases in the coming months.
Dobrindt initiated more intensive border controls soon after the new government took office a month ago and also ordered that asylum seekers could be rejected at the border. Merz explained, following the administrative court's decision, that he remains committed to the rejection of asylum seekers at the border. Despite the legal setback, it is known that rejections can still be carried out.
CSU Accuses Pro Asyl of Staging
Meanwhile, the CSU has leveled serious allegations against refugee aid organization Pro Asyl, which supported the three Somali asylum seekers in their lawsuit. Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU parliamentary group, accused Pro Asyl of staging the case, suggesting that the individuals may have disposed of their identification documents and purchased new phones to hinder deportation.
Pro Asyl's managing director, Karl Kopp, categorically denied these allegations, stating that Pro Asyl offers legal assistance to refugees and does not advocate for illegal activities.
Sources:1. https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/javascripthandler-async-src-betrifft-klage-dreier-briten-a-1217783.html2. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/deutschland-verzichten-wird-sogar-von-asyl-bewerbern-wegen-afd-a-35143673. https://www.funke-mediengruppe.de/politik/innensenior-dobrindt-kurs-verstarken-grenzschutz-bleibe-wir-am-losen-41887323.html4. https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merz-droht-mit-eudes-abschieben-merz-droht-mit-ewigen-abschieben-von-afa-fluechtlingen/26993410.html
- The debate over border control policies, a part of the broader topic of 'politics', escalated within the German coalition, as the court's ruling on border control incidents has prompted 'policy-and-legislation' discussions.
- The 'general-news' story of the Berlin Administrative Court's decision on Somali asylum seekers at the Frankfurt (Oder) station has highlighted the contrasting stances between interior minister Alexander Dobrindt and SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch.
- The issue of 'war-and-conflicts' and 'crime-and-justice' is also involved, as the CSU has accused refugee aid organization Pro Asyl of staging a case involving three Somali asylum seekers, suggesting potential illegal activities.
