In the context of high asylum numbers, EU countries have struggled for years to create the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). In a new attempt, EU interior ministers, including Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), want to take a stand on key reforms in Luxembourg today. On the one hand, the question of the distribution of asylum seekers within the European Union needs to be clarified, on the other hand, preliminary analyzes of asylum applications at European external borders are ongoing.
While countries like Austria, Poland and Hungary strictly reject a mandatory quota for relocating asylum seekers, southern countries like Italy and Greece, where many migrants arrive, have been demanding more support for years. In the future, however, there must be the possibility of buying the freedom to receive refugees. The payment of compensation of around €20,000 per asylum seeker was recently discussed.
Karner wants fast procedures at external borders
Karner said at ZIB2 that advice would be given on how to establish expedited asylum procedures at the external borders. For the system to work, it is necessary to prevent abuses and combat human traffickers. It’s about helping those who really need help, says Karner. Asylum centers in “safe third countries” – the interior minister called Denmark’s planned cooperation with Rwanda – must, of course, comply with human rights, said Karner, responding to the objection that Volker Türk, high commissioner for human rights of the UN, has described such centers as non-compliant with human rights.
Interior Minister Karner at the Asylum Summit
On Thursday, EU interior ministers in Luxembourg will decide on reform of the common European asylum system. However, it remains controversial which country should take in how many refugees. ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is in ZIB2.
difficult process
It is not yet clear whether EU interior ministers can agree to this. Approval is sought from 15 EU states, which together represent at least 65% of the total EU population. If an agreement is reached, member states will still have to agree the final legal text with the EU Parliament. The plans also put critics into action.
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