EU allows restrictions on asylum law: Poland and Finland benefit!

EU allows restrictions on asylum law: Poland and Finland benefit!

Brüssel, Belgien - The EU has decided a crucial step towards restricting asylum law in certain member states. This is done in the context of the increasing number of migrants, which are perceived by countries such as Poland, Finland and the Baltic States in response to hybrid threats, especially Russia. On Wednesday in Brussels, the EU Commission announced that these countries that are faced with a massive increase in refugees will have significant financial support of a total of 170 million euros for border protection. Poland receives the largest sum with 52 million euros, followed by Finland and the Baltic States. In the future, these countries may also restrict certain fundamental rights in the event of instrumentalization of migrants, including asylum law, as oe24.at . However, such measures must be "proportionate" and "temporary".

Bulgaria and Romania on the way to the Schengen area

At the same time, Bulgaria faces the challenge of securing its limits to Türkiye by building a border fence. In a further step towards the reform of the EU boundaries, it is likely that Romania and Bulgaria will become full-fledged members of the Schengen area on January 1, 2025. This previous status was blocked by resistance, in particular by Austria, that expressed concerns about control at the external borders. Austria's Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer criticized the border policy of both countries, but was ultimately able to reach an agreement that will enable the Schengen membership to be approved, such as

The situation remains tense because human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch criticize the practices of the expanding border protection measures. Austria's Minister Karner emphasizes that the hard course of Austria has reduced the figures of the irregular border crossings in the region. Die beiden Balkanländer wollen sich nun auch durch große Auffanglager für Flüchtlinge zeigen, dass sie der EU bei der Umsetzung neuer Asylregeln ernsthaft helfen wollen.