EU report: Italy blocks return of asylum seekers

migration

EU report: Italy blocks return of asylum seekers

For years, Germany has been arguing with Italy and Greece over who is responsible for which protection seekers under EU rules. The new asylum rules are intended to settle the dispute. Does that work?

Italy According to an EU report, is blocking the return of those seeking protection from other member states. In the first three weeks after the new EU asylum system came into force, the Italian authorities refused to take back those seeking protection for whom they were responsible 12 times, according to an analysis by the EU Commission.

From circles of Federal Government it is said that, as far as we know here, the cases mentioned do not relate to Germany, but only to other member states. In the first three weeks since the asylum reform came into force, there were no cases between Italy and Germany to which the new rules would have applied.

However, the EU report makes it clear that there is no evidence that the Italian authorities are actively coordinating with other member states on the practical and logistical steps for transfers back to Italy. In response to the report, the EU Commission said that although Italy had made great efforts to implement the new asylum rules, concrete steps were needed to ensure that the returns actually took place.

The analysis looks at the first three weeks of implementation of the new rules, which came into force on June 12th with the EU asylum reform (GEAS). She just focuses on Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Italy, as the four countries with important EU external borders have a right to support from other member states.

In return, they should also take back asylum seekers who have moved on to Germany in violation of the rules, for example. Because: In principle, the member state in which those seeking protection first arrive in the EU is responsible for asylum procedures.

For years there were disputes between the member states. While the states at the external borders felt left alone with the many refugees, countries like Germany and… France on the rules of jurisdiction. The EU asylum reform should create a balance and pacify the dispute.

While Cyprus and Spain are not causing any concern for the EU Commission, the Brussels authority is still hesitant to make a judgment on Greece. The Greek measures taken so far show the country’s willingness to ensure the implementation of the new rules, it is said.

According to the report, Greece has so far received eight requests to take in asylum seekers from other member states. When the report was drawn up, the Greek authorities still had time to respond as the legal deadlines had not yet expired.