Migration Expert Slams Return Policy as Flop: "All Bids Will Fail"
Scholar on immigration issues asserts theory of rejection wasn't successful.
Gerald Knaus, renowned migration researcher, has slammed the German government's return policy in an interview on the Stern podcast "5-Minute Talk". He foresees all court cases to end in losses for the government.
Alexander Dobrindt, the Interior Minister, recently announced continuation of returns at German borders despite the Berlin Administrative Court previously ruling return of three Somalis as illegal. Surprisingly, Knaus expresses bewilderment at Dobrindt's decision. "Eventually, the SPD that supports the justice minister, should question how they can send federal police to carry out something obviously illegal," Knaus said.
In the podcast, Knaus criticized the government's strategy as futile. "The question is merely how long they wish to persist with this," he added.
Knaus suggested a shift towards securing third-country agreements, a strategy reminiscent of the EU-Turkey deal. The EU Commission presented suitable suggestions for this approximately two weeks ago, making it legally feasible. Knaus stresses the need for swift action from SPD, CDU, and CSU in the European Parliament to ratify this change as soon as possible.
The Present State of Third Country Agreements in the EU
Recent proposals from the European Commission propose modifications to the "safe third country" concept in the EU asylum procedures. The changes aim to simplify application by eliminating the need for meaningful connections between the asylum seeker and the third country. Asylum seekers can now be transferred based on simple transit or inter-state agreements with the EU member state and the third country[1][2][3]. Furthermore, the proposal removes the suspensive effect of appeals, allowing for transfers before an appeal is heard[2][4].
The involvement of SPD, CDU, and CSU in the implementation of these agreements is not explicitly detailed. Historically, these parties have shaped migration and asylum policies within the EU through representation in the European Parliament and national government positions.
Possible Outcomes and Party Stances
- SPD: Given their generally progressive views on asylum, the SPD might express concerns about potential erosion of asylum rights under these new proposals.
- CDU/CSU: These parties tend to advocate for stricter migration policies and may support measures that streamline asylum procedures.
Despite missing specific information about their current stance, their historical positions suggest they will engage in debates and negotiations to shape the final policies according to their political ideologies.
Prospects for the Future
The European Commission's proposal requires negotiation and approval from the European Council and the European Parliament, involving input from numerous EU member states, including Germany. Here, these parties could exert influence over the final outcome via their national and European political channels[2][4].
- The renowned migration researcher, Gerald Knaus, has advocated for a shift in the German government's focus from return policies to securing third-country agreements, likening it to the EU-Turkey deal.
- In the realm of policy and legislation, recent European Commission proposals aim to simplify the "safe third country" concept in EU asylum procedures, eliminating the need for meaningful connections between asylum seekers and third countries.
- The SPD, CDU, and CSU, with their historic influence on migration and asylum policies within the EU, may engage in debates and negotiations to shape the final policies according to their political ideologies, as they work towards negotiating and approving the European Commission's proposal in the European Council and Parliament.
