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Euractiv
a day ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
Under the surface, EU migration tensions simmer
Welcome to the Capitals by Nicoletta Ionta with Eddy Wax. Feedback is welcome. Were you forwarded this newsletter by a friend? Sign up here. In today's edition: - Migration pact, tougher future - Mixed messages on US-EU deal - EU split on Horizon ban for Israel - UK, Malta to recognise Palestine - Nine countries line up for SAFE - Presidente? Not Quite In the capital For the first time in years, Europe's migration debate appears unusually sedate. Not because the fight is over, but because member states have quietly converged around an increasingly hardline stance. Beneath the surface, however, tensions are simmering. After the summer, the Commission will assess which nations are under the most migration pressure and decide who owes what in the EU's new solidarity mechanism, which will shift the bloc toward centralised governance with mandatory burden-sharing. Every country will have to chip in: either by relocating asylum seekers, coughing up cash for a common pot, or providing other forms of support. This politically sensitive calculus will drag into December, when the solidarity that Europe has been boasting will really be tested. For now, member states are playing nice. They're cheerfully signing joint letters, gathering over pre-EUCO "migration breakfasts," and swapping ideas under Ursula von der Leyen's watchful eye as she carefully takes notes for future proposals. Not long ago, the mere mention of migration risked political chaos at the Berlaymont. Now, as one EU diplomat put it, it's 'just a standard point on the agenda.' The formal approval of the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum last year ushered in a rare moment of calm. Even the bloc's more divisive measures – such as "return hubs," where migrants are held ahead of deportation – have lost much of their controversy. The facilities, once a symbol of the EU's deep rifts, are being slowly reviewed in Council without major objections. But the storm may return this autumn. The mechanism lets the Commission factor in "Dublin returns" – sending asylum seekers back to their first country of entry – in its calculations. This could hit southern frontline countries like Italy and Greece hardest, reigniting old north-south fault lines. Member states that fail to meet its obligations risk losing EU solidarity support, and contributors will push hard to enforce compliance. Once hard numbers land on the table – quotas, payments, responsibilities – the façade of unity may begin to crack. Some signs of strain are already visible. In February, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk made clear that his country won't implement any measure that introduces 'additional quotas of immigrants in Poland.' Alongside Budapest, another usual suspect, Warsaw is just one of two EU capitals still refusing to submit a national implementation plan. The original deadline passed last December. Still, former EU Commissioner Margaritis Schinas, one of the key architects of the pact, says he's not alarmed. 'With their stances, they're reminding us how they view migration policy,' Schinas told The Capitals in an interview. But "it would be suicidal for Europe to get to this point and then start dismantling it." A new role, the EU Solidarity Coordinator, has been created to oversee implementation. And the job is set to go to Michael Shotter, director DG Migration and Home Affairs, several sources told Euractiv. His appointment is expected to be confirmed after the summer. Mixed messages on US-EU trade The EU staunchly defended what it called a 'huge' new trade deal with the US yesterday – even as conflicting statements from Washington cast doubt on the scope of the agreement. The Commission said Washington had committed to establishing a 'quota system' for steel and aluminium, in which a limited quantity of the metals face tariffs below Donald Trump's 50% rate. But a White House 'Fact Sheet' contradicted that claim: 'The sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminium, and copper will remain unchanged ... The EU will continue to pay 50% and the parties will discuss securing supply chains for these products.' Pressed on the discrepancy, EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill referred reporters to the Commission's press release, which states the exact opposite: 'Together, the EU and the US will establish tariff rate quotas for EU exports at historic levels, cutting the current 50% tariffs.' Further confusion surrounds pharmaceuticals. Gill said that the EU believes its pharma exports would only face a 15% levy after the US completes its Section 232 investigation in the coming weeks. But the US statement did not mention any delays tied to the probe. All will be clarified in a US-EU joint statement, Gill said, which the bloc 'hopes to have very soon'. Still, Brussels seems to be preparing for the worst. The Commission said it won't withdraw its €93 billion retaliatory package targeting US goods until the joint statement is agreed. The measures – which cover aircraft, cars and food – are set to kick in 7 August, giving negotiators a tight deadline to avoid a clash. EU split on suspending Israel from Horizon Member states debated the Commission's proposal to partially suspend Israel from Horizon Europe over the Gaza crisis – but according to several diplomats, no qualified majority emerged. On Monday, the Commission proposed to partially bar Israeli companies from the research funding programme, specifically the part that funds defence and dual-use technologies, including military startups. About 10 member countries – including France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium – support the move, with some even pushing for tougher actions like suspending trade benefits or targeting goods from occupied territories. Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic are firmly opposed. Germany and Italy are still on the fence, blaming the late timing of the proposal and a need for more analysis – though they could tip the scale toward a qualified majority. What's next? Coreper could be reconvened, or the process might move forward through written procedure. One diplomat said action could pick up later this summer. UK, Malta join Palestine recognition team The UK and Malta announced Tuesday that they will join France in recognising a Palestinian state. UK PM Keir Starmer said recognition will come unless Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's government agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and commits to a two-state solution by September. The US, Israel's strongest and most influential ally, has condemned an ongoing UN conference in New York, led by France and Saudi Arabia, that seeks to bolster support for the two-state solution, calling it an 'insult' and reward for Hamas. Nine countries line up for defence cash Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Spain, Finland, Hungary, and Lithuania have formally expressed interest in borrowing from the EU's €150 billion SAFE military procurement programme, the Commission said yesterday. EU defence chief Andrius Kubilius said he expects the final number to double, with Poland and Greece already announcing plans to apply. Though Tuesday marked the soft deadline, late applications could still be accepted. A fuller list of participating countries is expected to be released today, according to a Commission spokesperson. Presidente? Not quite The late Silvio Berlusconi was briefly resurrected at a German press briefing this week when officials mistakenly named the former Italian PM as an upcoming guest, only to be reminded he passed away two years ago. Turned out the real visitor was his son, Pier Silvio Berlusconi, who was in the country to promote the family's bid for ProSiebenSat.1, a leading German media company. The Berlusconi family's MFE Media Group, which already holds a 30% stake, announced Monday it would raise its offer to stakeholders to take full control of the company. Euractiv's Nick Alipour has more on the Italian media dynasty's latest grab at power, and why Germany isn't thrilled about it. The Capitals BERLIN | Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right AfD party, in Budapest for the third time, signalling growing ties between the two. Once wary of the AfD's more radical profile, Orbán said Tuesday they will 'work together in the upcoming years' on issues such as migration and 'war in our immediate neighbourhood.' PARIS | The battle to represent this city's poshest district has erupted into a political family feud, pitting EU heavyweight Michel Barnier against scandal-hit minister Rachida Dati – and creating a political headache for Emmanuel Macron. Read more. THE HAGUE | The Netherlands has barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entry, accusing them of inciting violence and endorsing ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The move follows a national security report warning of Israeli political interference, and marks a sharp shift in the Dutch government's stance toward Netanyahu's government. Read more. DUBLIN | The Irish High Court has rejected X's bid to block Ireland's Online Safety Code, ruling it aligns with EU law. The platform had claimed the code conflicted with the Digital Services Act but now says it will introduce age checks to comply. Read more. ROME | A 15% tariff on EU goods under the new US trade deal could shrink Italy's GDP by €6.3 billion and slash exports by more than €8.6 billion, think tank SVIMEZ has warned. Nearly 104,000 jobs are at risk, though exempting the pharmaceutical sector would significantly soften the blow. MADRID | Spanish defence firm Indra has thrown its support behind Belgium's potential entry into the EU's Future Combat Air System programme, a joint effort to develop a next-gen fighter jet. Indra called the move a 'positive step' amid rising geopolitical tensions. The FCAS, led by France, Germany and Spain, has been plagued by internal rifts and now faces fresh turbulence with Dassault Aviation slamming Belgium over its purchase of US-made F-35s. Read more. BRATISLAVA | PM Robert Fico accused the UK of interfering in Slovakia's 2023 election by funding influencers and journalists to sway public opinion. The British embassy and the article's author have firmly denied the allegation, saying that the campaign only aimed to boost voter turnout. Read more. Also on Euractiv INTERVIEW: Europe's armies at '50% of what we need', says defence commissioner The commissioner sat down with Euractiv to discuss EU defence policy priorities In an interview with Euractiv, Andrius Kubilius, the EU's top defence official, warned that European militaries are operating at just half the strength NATO requires and urged governments to slash their reliance on American weapons. Final journey: The divide within Europe over euthanasia and assisted dying Fragmented laws are forcing terminally ill patients to travel for the right to die Every year, dozens of terminally ill patients from across Europe travel to Belgium and Switzerland, not in search of hope, but of a dignified death. With euthanasia and assisted dying still illegal in most EU countries, many have no choice but to cross borders to end their suffering. Such a discrepancy in how the issue is handled across Europe makes it difficult for those experiencing chronic illness to plan a dignified end to the lives close to home. Contributors: Aurélie Pugnet, Thomas Moller-Nielsen, Charles Cohen, Jacob Wulff Wold, Elisa Braun, Nick Alipour, Chris Powers, Alessia Peretti, Daniel Eck, Charles Szumski Editors: Christina Zhao, Sofia Mandilara
Euractiv
6 days ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
Commission seeks EU court nod for ECHR bid after years of gridlock
Commission moves to break 15-year impasse on EU's accession to Strasbourg-based human rights court Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Nicoletta Ionta Euractiv Jul 25, 2025 20:14 2 min. read News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The European Commission has decided to seek a formal opinion from the EU's top court to clear the path for the bloc's long-overdue accession to the European Court of Human Rights, after years of deadlock. (aw) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Topics
Euractiv
6 days ago
- Business
- Euractiv
The Brief – 25 July 2025: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Good Friday afternoon, wherever you may be. Schuman was markedly quieter this morning, coffee shops are shuttered, and motorways are laden with holiday-makers heading south for the Grand Départ. Fear not, here at Euractiv HQ desks are still occupied and newsletters will still be delivered for two more weeks. And whilst the summer exodus empties a large part of the city, there's still plenty to report on. Including secluded parties in the depths of the European Parliament, where one young MEP has been hosting exclusive soirées, with DJs, beer on tap, and free pizza. Nicoletta Ionta got the invite and spilled the goods about this novel approach to politicking. The Asian tour EU leaders made a fleeting visit to the eastern hemisphere, stopping in Japan on Wednesday before piling back aboard the plane for a rather colder reception in China on Thursday. The Japan leg was a relatively amiable affair that secured an agreement to cooperate on procuring critical raw materials and strengthen business ties. Given the EU delegation's next stop, any mention of China was avoided, though the Japan mission clearly aims to reduce dependency on the world's manufacturing behemoth. Thursday's assignment – ostensibly a celebration of 50 years' diplomatic ties between the EU and China – was always going to be awkward, with Europe hooked on Chinese goods but also outraged by its support for Russia, its grip on rare earths, and disregard for human rights. Von der Leyen has hardened her tone towards this inconvenient trading partner and reiterated these grievances on the visit, though her Chinese counterparts showed little interest, leaving the Europeans to close the day with a press conference devoid of Chinese representatives. Gaza stirs European consciences The humanitarian emergency in Gaza has deteriorated for months as Israeli forces continue their ruthless assault on Hamas forces and render the war-torn region practically uninhabitable. With Palestinian civilians trapped in camps and precious little aid being delivered, acute starvation has become one more cause of death. For many in Europe, the situation has grown intolerable. But EU criticism of Israel's offensive has fallen short of sanctions, and agreements to provide more aid have failed to alleviate the crisis. In light of the situation, France announced Thursday that it will recognise the State of Palestine – a step taken by Spain and Ireland already last year. Whether this will significantly shift the dial on EU relations with Israel is not yet clear. An emergency call between France, Germany, and the United Kingdom takes place on Friday afternoon, though Merz has already said his government will not recognise a Palestinian state "in the short term". The European Parliament is also unsure whether to allow keffiyehs (the traditional Arab headdress now symbolic of solidarity with Palestine) in the building. The lack of clarity makes it likely that this will remain a point of contention – one that already has sparked skirmishes. Kids and social media A growing concern about the dangers of social media for minors has seen Brussels set guidelines for how platforms should protect children using their online services. Measures to restrict access vary between EU countries, with France leading the fight after coming down hard on porn websites last month. Under the auspices of the Digital Services Act, other countries are tightening access requirements and testing age verification. Much ado about veggie food If you thought 'Solmon' or 'Tu-nah' were inoffensive labels for non-fish alternatives, think again. The fish industry is in a flap about names that imitate the real thing and want to put an end to it (though it won't stop companies producing the actual products). "Call a spade a spade," an industry representative argued; one MEP supportive of the cause said that fish lovers should be "worried". The opposition follows a similar battle for the right to use terrestrial meat terms for plant-based alternatives. But the industry distress has done little to dent veggie appetites, as sales of non-meat delicacies continue to rise. Belgium-France nuclear cooperation The anti-nuclear sentiment whipped up by Green parties in Belgium has finally dissipated and the new government has overturned plans to phase out the country's reactors. But to make a "more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe", Belgium will work closely with France to extend its nuclear capacity. Across Europe, attitudes towards the zero-emissions energy sources are changing as governments recognise their potential to deliver energy sovereignty and reduce dependence on natural gas imports.
Euractiv
6 days ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
The European Parliament's ultimate backbencher
Welcome to today's newsletter by Nicoletta Ionta with Eddy Wax. Feedback is welcome. Were you forwarded this newsletter by a friend? Sign up here. In the capital It's a sleepy late evening on the third floor of the European Parliament – unless you know where to knock. Tucked away in the labyrinth of corridors, a full-blown rave is thumping. After the last party got a little too rowdy, the organisers are trying to stick to the rules. Welcome to MEP Lukas Sieper's office, transformed into the Parliament's most unofficial club night, where a DJ with a visitor pass spins techno as beer flows from a makeshift bar. At just 28, Sieper was elected last year by 228,000 German voters, despite spending only €2,500 on his campaign for the tiny Party of Progress he founded as a student. 'I'm always looking for openings where I can have influence, even though I'm not part of something bigger here,' he told us. A year in, Sieper is one of the most unorthodox new MEPs. They told him he'd need to join a group to matter in the European Parliament; he didn't. And now, to everyone's surprise, not least his own, he's passing amendments, speaking in plenary, and turning down offers from major factions. His party, he says, rejects all extremism and populism, and doesn't fit into any traditional ideology. Indeed, his main target is the dysfunction of Parliament itself. His profile, as a 'non-attached MEP' who refuses to join any mainstream grouping, is reminiscent of his fellow first-time lawmaker Fidias, an influencer who has taken a pro–Russian turn. But the two, who sit next to each other in the hemicycle, have clashed over Fidias' stances, particularly a vote on Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. 'I called him out about it,' Sieper said. 'His political development is a tragedy." Sieper defines himself as a 'democratic pragmatist.' A member of the centre-right CDU when he was younger, he describes the Greens as too idealistic. According to Sieper you don't need group ties to hold power in the European Parliament – you just need to know how to play the game. As a trained lawyer, he spends late nights digging through parliamentary rules – finding ways to make noise without a group behind him. He prides himself on the number of speeches in the plenary he has delivered since being elected a year ago: 193. And he's a master of the so-called blue-card system, which allows him to challenge other MEPs in plenary debates. This week, he launched a transparency tool – built by his party's 19-year-old engineer and a group of IT people – that lets anyone look up MEP voting records. He decided to hand it over to Parliament for free. With time, Sieper emerged as a non-Eurosceptic who still slams how the Parliament runs. 'Plenary is supposed to be vibrant, a place of discussion, a place of democracy.' But in Strasbourg, his fellow MEPs "arrive on Tuesday, leave on Thursday – the plenary is empty". "All the important decisions are made between political group leaders", he said. For all of Sieper's commitment, he's also discovered there's only so much one can achieve from the margins. In a system built for insiders he's in, but not invited – and he knows it. EU blasts Ukraine's anti-corruption misstep as Zelenskyy backtracks Ukraine's move to curb the independence of its anti-corruption agencies 'was a mistake', EU Defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Euractiv on Thursday, when talking about a highly controversial law that placed Ukraine's independent anti-corruption bodies under effective government control. In a swift U-turn, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a new draft bill to the Parliament to restore and reinforce the independence of the agencies, a move spurred by street protests across Ukraine and growing pressure from EU leaders. 'The biggest mistake was not in the content of the actions, but how it was done', Kubilius said. Nonetheless, he noted that Ukraine has immense potential for defence and space capabilities and could even be a member of a future European Defence Union if the proposal ever becomes reality. Read the full exclusive interview on Euractiv's defence newsletter, Firepower, which will drop early afternoon. Subscribe here. Scoop: Hungary rejects EU plan for Ukrainian refugee transition Hungary has abstained from endorsing a Council recommendation on how to wind down temporary protection for Ukrainians, taking aim at the Commission's proposed 'Unity Hubs." The hubs, EU-funded info centres meant to support integration and voluntary return, are a no-go for Budapest, which slammed them as 'new measures, which are not sufficiently developed." In a note seen by Euractiv, Hungary warned the project carries 'a number of security risks' and 'could also pose a threat to the security of the Union as a whole'. The plan falls under the watch of the newly appointed EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians, former home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson. All other member states agreed to a Danish compromise – seen by Euractiv – that lets Frontex help countries with Ukrainians leaving and allows them to use international organisation for voluntary return programs. And it removes the language encouraging member states to 'organise and support' exploratory visits for Ukrainians unable to do so themselves. The recommendation is set to be adopted after the summer break. EU-US trade talks The EU approved a €93 billion retaliatory package on US goods yesterday, as the bloc sought to pile pressure on Washington to agree a trade deal that would lower Donald Trump's threatened blanket levy from 30% to 15%. The list, which comprises two previously separate packages, will hit a wide range of American goods, including aircraft, cars, wine, and medical and electrical equipment. EU diplomats remain hopeful that the US president will soon greenlight a deal similar to the one Washington struck with Japan earlier this week, which left a 15% tariff in place on cars and most other goods, Thomas Moller-Nielsen reports. Olof Gill, EU Commission spokesperson for trade, told reporters yesterday that a deal with Washington is now "within reach". Gill added that the duties will enter into force on 7 August if no deal is agreed but that they can be suspended at any time. Export control alliance Germany and France are united in their belief that Brussels has absolutely no role to play on weapons exports decisions, as the defence ministers from both countries made clear on Thursday. That's a brushback to Commission ambitions of loosening export controls within the EU for the sake of fast-tracking arms production. Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said weapons export decisions are 'exclusively' the preserve of national governments, and the EU and the European Commission 'have no role to play in this regard'. The German support will bolster France's opposition: Despite previous protests from Paris, the EU executive again pitched loosening export rules last month in the defence omnibus and is planning to propose revision of the existing intra-EU transfer directive in the coming months. Budapest mayor named suspect over Budapest Pride event Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has been summoned for questioning as a suspect over the Budapest Pride event held last month despite strong government pushback. Hungarian police are investigating participants of what they claim was a 'prohibited assembly,' national media reported. The probe is being led by the National Investigation Bureau against an 'unknown perpetrator". 'I became a suspect, and if this is the price of standing up for ourselves and others' freedom in this country, I am even more proud of it', Karácsony said on his social media. No members of the Budapest Pride organising team have been contacted by police so far, a spokesperson for the event told The Capitals. 'This was an official municipal event, the police have no business investigating it as a protest." The European Commission did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. The Capitals PARIS | France will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday. PARIS & BRUSSELS | Belgium and France have agreed to step up cooperation on nuclear energy, including reactor extensions, small modular reactors, and supply chains, following Belgium's reversal of its nuclear phase-out. The move adds momentum to a growing pro-nuclear alliance in Europe, as the EU becomes more open to nuclear energy as part of its decarbonisation strategy. Read more. MADRID | Spain's labour market reached a new high with over 22 million people in work and unemployment falling to 10.3% – the lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis, national data showed on Thursday. The number of employed rose by 503,300 in the second quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier, mostly in services, industry and construction. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the figures as proof of the economy's 'strong dynamism." ATHENS | Greek judges are protesting after the government ignored their input on top court appointments, defying a 2024 reform meant to boost transparency. Despite warning about political influence in Greek courts, the European Commission has stayed silent. Read more. WARSAW | Construction of a key container terminal in Świnoujście has been temporarily halted after a court suspended the project's environmental permit, Polish broadcaster Radio ZET reported. The decision follows a complaint from German environmental group Lebensraum Vorpommern, which argues the terminal would seriously damage the surrounding natural environment. PRAGUE | Czech police have proposed hate speech charges against Tomio Okamura, the Tokyo-born leader of the far-right party SPD, over anti-immigration posters from last year's EU election. Okamura denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the case is a political ploy ahead of October's vote. Read more. Also on Euractiv Keffiyeh clash: Palestine symbol may or may not be allowed in EU Parliament The Parliament declined to clarify whether items like the keffiyeh or religious garments fall under neutrality rules More than a week after the eyebrow-raising eviction of a staffer in the Israel-Palestine committee for wearing a keffiyeh, Parliament's powers that be still have no answer about what actually happened and why. "There is no specific formal dress code in the Parliament," a spokesperson told Euractiv. So why was the staffer ejected? Euractiv's Magnus Lund Nielsen pressed Parliament for answers. Read more. Von der Leyen calls for 'pragmatic' EU-China relations Europe is aiming for a 'pragmatic' relationship with China, Commission President von der Leyen said Thursday after the EU-China summit in Beijing yesterday. 'From the summit, I gather that there is a lot we can do together despite our differences, and we have differences, we can find pragmatic solutions,' she said. Von der Leyen flagged the urgency of tackling Chinese 'overcapacities,' especially amid fears that Trump-era tariffs could push cheap Chinese goods into Europe. 'Despite our differences, we can find pragmatic solutions,' von der Leyen said. Read more. Far-right Patriots for Europe move to kill EU's 2040 climate bill Czech MEP Ondřej Knotek, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on the proposed law to cut EU greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 1990 levels, is set to call for the proposal to be scrapped entirely. On Thursday, Knotek announced his plan to push for the outright rejection of the bill two weeks after the right-wing nationalist Patriots for Europe group seized control of the file in a controversial backroom deal, and just days after centrist groups moved to accelerate its passage. Read more. Agenda Commissioner Serafin visits Poland to discuss the EU's upcoming long-term budget proposal Commissioner Kos visits Türkiye; meets with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Contributors: Thomas Møller-Nielsen, Aurélie Pugnet, Kjeld Neubert, Shane LaGesse, Bárbara Machado, Laurent Geslin, Stefano Porciello, Inés Fernández-Pontes, Magnus Lund Nielsen, Sarantis Michalopoulos, Aleksandra Krzysztoszek, Aneta Zachová. Editors: Matthew Karnitschnig, Sofia Mandilara.
Euractiv
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
More EU countries eye deportations to Afghanistan, says German interior minister
Berlin says other countries want in on controversial return operations. Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Nicoletta Ionta Euractiv Jul 22, 2025 11:08 2 min. read News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Germany's recent deportation of criminals to Taliban-run Afghanistan is drawing attention from across Europe, according to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. 'We have spoken several times about the fact that the deportations to Afghanistan we have carried out are attracting great interest from other countries, who would like to take part in such operations,' Dobrindt said at an informal EU Home Affairs Council meeting in Copenhagen. Last week, Berlin deported a group of convicted criminals to Taliban-run Afghanistan and became the first EU country to let Taliban officials onto its soil to help carry out deportations. One of the key topics under discussion, Dobrindt added, is 'whether and how this can be realised.' 'We believe this is an innovative and absolutely necessary approach,' Dobrindt said, calling for agreements with third countries near countries of origin. Dobrindt didn't rule out Germany pursuing its own migration deals, noting that more and more countries 'have advanced plans to set up such structures.' 'We need partner countries, preferably close to the countries of origin, that through specific agreements are able to receive rejected asylum seekers and settle them in a dignified way near their homeland. This is the basic idea, which has our full support.' Acknowledging the political sensitivity, Dobrindt said: 'We know that for individual member states this can be very difficult, we've already seen that in the past.' Still, he believes a Europe-wide approach could work, as it offers greater chances of implementation." Dobrindt's comments follow a declaration by EU interior ministers on Friday stating that 'returns to Afghanistan and Syria must be possible.' The hardline statement, backed by a self-styled 'coalition of the willing' led by Germany and joined by France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Czechia, and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner, calls for tougher migration rules across the bloc.
