Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
The European Union’s new migration relocation plan, designed to foster fair responsibility-sharing among member states, faces significant resistance, leading to a delay in the European Commission’s first assessment report. The report, which was expected this week, would determine which EU countries are under the most migration pressure and their obligations under the new “solidarity pool” mechanism, requiring either the relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions, or other forms of support.
Delayed Assessment and Member State Resistance
Three officials confirmed to Euractiv that the publication of the Commission’s assessment has been postponed. EU migration chief Magnus Brunner downplayed the delay following a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday, stating that getting the details right was more important than an exact publication date.
During the meeting, several ministers openly expressed their opposition to certain aspects of the plan. Belgium’s Interior Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt stated that her country would only contribute financially, citing full reception centers. She emphasized that “solidarity must go hand in hand with responsibility” and highlighted the importance of applying Dublin rules, which could penalize frontline states failing to return asylum seekers to their first country of entry.
Other nations were equally firm in their stance. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen explicitly stated that Finland would not accept migrants from other member states. Poland and Hungary have already opted out of the plan, and the recent election of populist Andrej Babiš in Czechia suggests another potentially skeptical voice may join their ranks.
Disagreement on Mutual Recognition
Ministers also clashed over the mutual recognition of return decisions, a core element of the migration pact that would mandate one EU country to enforce another’s deportation order. France, Germany, and Belgium expressed concerns that this measure could create an undue burden, with Belgium opposing its mandatory application.
In contrast, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska advocated for mandatory mutual recognition, asserting it as a “real foundation of the area of justice and freedom.” A leaked Danish presidency compromise indicated that the binding application of this rule might be delayed until three years after the migration pact enters into force in 2026. Despite the disagreements, Brunner expressed optimism that a general approach could be feasible by December, though acknowledging that more work is needed.
Syria Returns Discussion
The ministerial discussions also included whether current conditions allow for the return, or even forced deportation, of certain categories of Syrian nationals. According to a discussion paper, there was “broad agreement” among ministers to begin with returns to Syria.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt highlighted that approximately 1.5 million Syrians have already returned to their homeland from neighboring states. He stressed the importance of the EU ensuring that returns become possible from Europe as well.
The initial resistance and delays underscore the ongoing challenges the EU faces in implementing its landmark migration pact, highlighting deep divisions among member states regarding responsibility-sharing and the practical application of new policies.
