EU countries have been discussing reform of the asylum system and how to deal with migration for years. There is hardly any progress, solidarity is usually a buzzword.
The EU, now in the form of the Czech presidency, reiterated this week the need for reform of migration and asylum policies. The question is not new, nor are the ideas that are constantly formulated. However, this has not happened, neither the asylum centers in North Africa, nor a fair distribution of refugees in Europe, and little progress has been made on accelerated asylum procedures and repatriation agreements.
In addition, refugees have also become a plaything for dictators. For example, Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko tried to put pressure on the EU last year by sending migrants to Europe’s external border. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan acted in the same way.
21 countries agree on voluntary aid
On June 10, 21 countries agreed on a voluntary solidarity mechanism designed to relieve the particularly affected southern European countries, such as Italy. Think of receiving refugees or providing financial support. So far, 13 countries have agreed to host more than 8,000 people, the European Commission announced in August. Austria is not one of them. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) describes the solidarity mechanism as a “completely wrong signal to the traffickers”. In any case, Austria does not accept additional people.
Inhumane conditions in the camps
Meanwhile, the last requests for help are coming from the Dutch refugee camp Ter Apel near the German border. This is completely overcrowded, the hygienic conditions are unbearable, aid organizations report. Conditions are similar to those in Moria, the infamous slum camp on the Greek island of Lesbos that has become a symbol of European failure.
According to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, an estimated 938 people have either died or are missing from crossing the Mediterranean from January to August this year. The exact number of victims will forever remain in limbo.
Ukraine: extend temporary protection?
With the refugees from Ukraine, the EU has proven that it can do things differently if it wants to. Within a very short time a uniform solution was found, a temporary protection. This status makes it possible for people fleeing the war in Ukraine to have access to work, housing or education in all EU member states – without having to apply for asylum first. The Czech Presidency of the Council now wants to negotiate an extension of this special protection.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
