Scholz is pushing for quick EU asylum reform: Germany is pitching in!

Scholz is pushing for quick EU asylum reform: Germany is pitching in!

At the start of the EU summit in Brussels, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for rapid progress in implementing the EU asylum reform. Scholz made his statement clear: The agreement between the 27 EU states should not only be implemented gradually, but with vigor. "We will quickly submit the necessary laws to the Bundestag in Germany. However, it would be desirable if faster implementation were also possible in other European countries," said the Chancellor.

The asylum reform, which was passed in the spring, has already received criticism from various member states. Many perceive them as inadequate to effectively address the challenges of unwanted migration. An additional problem is that implementation could be delayed until June 2026 due to an existing transition period. This reform aims to oblige Member States to establish uniform procedures at the external borders in order to quickly check whether asylum applications are justified. If the applications are deemed unfounded, the refugees should be deported quickly. Asylum seekers arriving from countries considered safe should be accommodated in prison-like conditions in strictly monitored reception facilities.

Scholz expresses concerns about outsourcing procedures

Another topic that Scholz addressed was asylum procedures in third countries, such as the model that Italy is testing in Albania. The Chancellor was skeptical about this, as these measures could only logistically outsource a limited number of procedures. “This is not a real solution for a country as big as Germany when we look at the numbers,” he explained. Last year, over 300,000 migrants arrived in Germany irregularly; Outsourcing approaches could only provide small contributions.

“The number of 1,000 or 2,000 migrants that could perhaps be outsourced is far from enough,” said Scholz. Rather, the situation requires tangible solutions.

Results and outlook

Despite the challenges Germany is facing, Scholz strikes an optimistic tone. In recent months, Germany has been able to reduce asylum applications by almost 50 percent compared to the previous year, which was achieved through various measures. “Taking action is probably the best thing to do, rather than inaction and then developing unrealistic concepts,” he concludes.

In addition, Scholz emphasized that progress has also been made in the repatriation of migrants without the right to remain. Planned deportations of criminal foreigners to Afghanistan have been announced because, according to the Chancellor, “criminals are not allowed to stay in Germany.”