Today’s votes in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) showed that the right and the far right are growing ever closer together. Two proposals to amend Asylum Procedure regulation (APR), Safe Country of Origin and Safe Third Country, were adopted by a coalition of the EPP and the far right, the so-called Venezuela coalition.
These regulations reopen the EU Pact on asylum and migration that was adopted only in April 2024 and that is to enter into application in June 2026. The removal of the connection link between an applicant and a third country is very concerning. This connection link, maintained in the APR, is essential to ensure that any asylum seeker is transferred only to a country with which they have a meaningful link. Moreover, ad-hoc arrangements create a risk of instrumentalisation by third countries. Such arrangements are unlikely to be sustainable and will not reduce subsequent attempts to come back to the EU.
Migration requires a responsible, pro-European response, and the Asylum and Migration Pact is the answer. Renew Europe group is fully committed to its full and timely implementation.
‘The Asylum and Migration Pact struck a careful balance between member states' responsibilities and solidarity. Even before it is fully in place, the right and far right have decided today to endanger that balance, with no proven effectiveness for migration management. It will lead to fewer safeguards to protect the rights and safety of the people concerned, for example minors and persons with disabilities. Our efforts should focus on implementing the Pact, strengthening fair and efficient asylum procedures, ensuring effective border controls, and strengthening efficient return procedures.’
Fabienne KellerRenew Europe MEP, France, Renaissance