Bremerhaven under the sign of migration: Interior ministers want to change asylum policy

Bremerhaven under the sign of migration: Interior ministers want to change asylum policy

The federal and state interior ministers recently met in Bremerhaven to discuss pressing issues in migration policy. Chaired by Bremen's Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer (SPD), they came to the conclusion that a common European approach is necessary to noticeably reduce migration in Germany. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) emphasized how important it is to “sharpen up” the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). The aim of the conference was to send clear signals and, in particular, to reduce the “pull factors” that attract migrants to Germany, reports World.

In addition to the decline in immigration, changes to asylum law are also on the political agenda. Dobrindt pointed out the federal government's new regulations, which include, among other things, the suspension of family reunification and changes to safe countries of origin. A number of over 80 agenda items were addressed, including electronic residence monitoring as a means of combating femicide and the need to deal with the AfD.

Reform of the asylum system

The CEAS reform process, which was approved by the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament in December 2023, is intended to ensure a more uniform approach to migration policy. The Federal Agency for Civic Education highlights that the reform is considered the most far-reaching change in recent decades and has resulted in a decline in asylum applications in the EU. After the numbers fell to around 472,660 in 2020, they rose to over 1.1 million in 2023, with Germany making up a significant part of this with around 334,000 applications (29 percent).

A key point of this reform is the introduction of a screening procedure for all those seeking protection arriving at the EU's external borders. The right to protection status should be decided within twelve weeks. In particular, a solidarity mechanism will be introduced to relieve the burden on states with a large number of people seeking protection. The new system aims to ensure more efficient procedures while respecting fundamental rights, supported by independent control mechanisms.

Political and social challenges

The conference of interior ministers also addressed security policy challenges triggered by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Dobrindt made it clear that protective measures for Jewish citizens and institutions were necessary in order to increase the level of security in the face of possible threats. This issue is also expressed in the context of increasing tensions and the complex connection between migration and security.

The new migration and asylum package passed by the European Parliament sets further framework conditions. Among other things, it stipulates that Member States must contribute financially to the relocation of asylum seekers, and there are clear guidelines on how to deal with a sudden increase in the influx of migrants. The associated regulations on the detention and freedom of movement of asylum seekers were also considered necessary. How EU Parliament reported, Member States must implement the new rules within the next two years.

It remains to be seen how the political decisions and reforms will affect actual migration. The fact is that the challenges are diverse and dealing with these issues skillfully is a high priority in order to reconcile both humanitarian and security policy requirements.