Asylum: EU Parliament approves Return Regulation
A majority in the European Parliament has adopted the Return Regulation, which, among other things, allows for the establishment of "return hubs" in third countries. Instead of being the result of a parliamentary majority reached by conservative, social democratic and liberal groups, as has been the case with many key votes in recent years, the decision is the result of conservative, right-wing and far-right parties voting together in favour of the regulation.
This is about better control
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung sees this as a necessary step:
“The European Parliament has attempted to regain control over migration. This is intended to make life easier within the crumbling zone where freedom, security and justice instersect. The right to asylum must indeed be restored to its true meaning. This includes sending back those who have no right to remain here. Born out of necessity, so to speak, centres in third countries are part of such a solution.”
Reinforcing a vicious circle
De Morgen is angry and worried:
“In a world which is in a permanent state of conflict, it is an illusion to believe that the continent's borders can be sealed. Every crackdown breeds disillusionment and, consequently, calls for yet more inhumanity. For the far right, this is a fountain of eternal youth. And there is no end of political hypocrisy involved too. The right-wing politicians who are cheering loudest about the attacks on Iran are the first ones to lock the door on refugees fleeing the country.”